TRENDY new citrus varieties might market well but growers need to research what they're getting themselves into.
That was the message from international guest speaker, Spain-based consultant John Chavarria, at this month's Citrus Technical Forum and Field Day.
Mr Chavarria warned growers to do due diligence before chasing trends such as pigmented oranges, like Cara Cara, and seedless lemons, despite growing interest in the varieties in Asia and northern America.
“Spread your risk across different markets and varieties,” Mr Chavarria said.
“Be open to new varieties and gather information.”
He said growers should be prepared that some varieties may not adapt to certain growing conditions, and factor this into their calculations.
“As a high COP country, we need to deliver fruit that excels. Clean fruit is becoming increasingly relevant, particularly markets that are not so strong, like Europe," he said.
“This will help against competition from countries in the southern hemisphere with a low cost of production.
“It’s becoming increasingly important for Australian citrus to be good quality, have a high brix, good colour and low residue."
“In Asia, perception is we have sweeter fruit than competitors. We must be market driven rather than production driven.”
Strong interest remains for navels in Asia, with growth opportunities in China, according to Mr Chavarria, although there is declining consumption in western markets.
Pigmented oranges (Cara Cara and blood types) are attracting increasing interest in Asia, the US and Canada.
Cara Cara has a strong position in the US.
“The market is looking for a Cara Cara with a blush and a later season,” he said.
There is also a need for bloods with more consistent colour and better size, and potential opportunities for pigmented valencias, he said.
Mr Chavarria said seed counts for Tango and Afourer mandarins in the future will be crucial for most markets and will impact grower returns.
To maintain demand in Asian markets, he said mandarins require high brix (generally 13+) with smooth skins, good colour and medium size, although seedless was not a priority yet.
In his address to the forum, Mr Chavarria acknowledged the quality of rootstocks in Australia.
"The knowledge that you have now on new varieties here in Australia is as good, or better, than anywhere in the world," he said.
"All this wouldn't work without dynamic growers who are looking for information and taking onboard all the new varieties."