The World Citrus Organisation gathers for annual Southern Hemisphere forecast and launch of new projects

On 19 April 2023, World Citrus Organisation (WCO) members gathered for the organisation’s fourth Annual General Meeting (AGM). During the AGM, WCO presented the consolidated data of the production and export forecasts for the forthcoming Southern Hemisphere citrus season 2023. The preliminary forecast was collected thanks to WCO members in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Africa, and Uruguay. In addition, the Association also announced the launch of new projects to increase the visibility and promotion efforts for the citrus sector.

During WCO’s AGM, the preliminary forecast for the upcoming Southern Hemisphere citrus season was presented to representatives from the citrus sector in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Africa, and Uruguay, citrus production is expected to decrease by 2.02% compared to the previous year, with an estimated production of 22,351,937 tonnes. Exports, however, are expected to continue increasing, with a projected growth of 2.32% compared to 2022 to reach 3,685,392 tonnes, while a total of 13,210,832 tonnes of citrus are expected to be destined for processing – an 8.32% increase compared to 2021.

Orange production is forecasted to decrease by 2.57% compared to 2022, with 16,176,434 T in total. Soft citrus production is expected to increase slightly (+1.64%, 3,078,779 T in total). A 1.22% decrease is projected for lemon production (2,645,604 tonnes in total), while grapefruit production should decline by 10.01% (451,120 tonnes in total). Limes are forecasted to reach 1,975,000 T, which is 3.28% above the 2022 figures.

The last Southern Hemisphere season suffered from the negative impact of logistical and transport issues, as well as the difficult climatic conditions, as drought-like conditions in the Southern Hemisphere negatively affected production. However, the sector’s expectations have improved since March concerning logistics, and the mix of summer heat followed by rain is likely to lead to a good 2023 season.

The Association announced the official launch of the new Members’ Area on its website, which features readily available and easy-to-access production forecasts and organisational information, including social media materials, as well as an events calendar and various functionalities to improve communication.

WCO also detailed its activities over the last year, particularly its ongoing initiatives to promote the consumption of citrus by developing a global marketing concept and highlighting the nutritional benefits of citrus consumption. They announced the upcoming launch of a group dedicated to designing a campaign by identifying target markets for promotion purposes. A new social media communication campaign to push the nutritional benefits of the various citrus fruits was also announced, to be launched in the coming weeks.

WCO also welcomed the steady growth of the association, which now has over 40 members in 16 countries, and added 6 additional companies as members since October 2022.

More information about the WCO’s forecasting and activities is available via the WCO website here.