The citrus harvest started in Spain already a few weeks ago and, according to official sources, preliminary estimates indicate that there will be a 22% drop in production compared to previous campaigns.
This decrease has been a direct result of the weather conditions and high summer temperatures; however, the Spanish citrus production volume will amount to around 6 million tonnes.
The Region of Valencia is the leading producer of citrus fruits like oranges, mandarins, grapefruit or lemon and represents 65% of the total volume, followed by the region of Murcia and Andalusia, with 21.8% and 7.2% respectively.
As reported by Asozumos, "approximately 30% of the production is intended for fresh consumption and another 60% goes to juicing, although it is worth noting that white oranges are devoted almost entirely to the production of commercial juice."
Orange juice is obtained from healthy and ripe, fresh or refrigerated fruit, which is then pasteurised and aseptically packaged. "Technological advances have made it possible for the juice industry to meet the required levels of quality, thanks to the design and development processes that allow for an optimal preservation of the product and, therefore, of its nutritional value," point out sources from the Spanish Association of Juice Manufacturers (Asozumos).
Spain is Europe's leading producer of fresh orange juice
The citrus harvest takes place between October and May, depending on the weather conditions, as a prelude to a subsequent process of selection, squeezing, pasteurisation and packaging. Orange juice retains the physical, chemical, organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of the fruit it came from and, furthermore, does not contain any added sugars (by law).
The supply of orange juice in Spain is extensive. On the shelves, it is possible to find juices with pulp, pulp-free, packed in cartons, glass or pet. There are products for all consumption patterns, large families, medium and single-family homes, presented in different formats adapted to the routines of modern society.
According to reports from Asozumos, the commercial packaging of citrus juices and the efficiency of distribution channels allow this product to be available to consumers in all markets around the world, meeting the needs of those countries in which fresh fruits are not as accessible and where it is not possible to squeeze orange juice at home. Spain is the largest producer of orange juice in the European Union. Currently, according to data for 2014, Spain is exporting orange juice worth approximately 260 million Euro."
By countries, the whole of the European Union accounts for almost 80% of Spanish fruit juice exports. More specifically, France is the main destination for Spanish juices, as it receives one third of all Spanish juice exports and generated over 200 million Euro in 2014. In second place was the United Kingdom, which purchases almost 15% of Spanish fruit juices valued at a total of nearly 100 million Euro.
Scientifically proven health benefits
Fruit juices are a natural source of vitamins. They are rich in antioxidants and contain vitamins C and E, which play a key role in the absorption of iron and prevent the risk of cardiovascular diseases. More than a drink, juices are a source of vitamins and minerals. With their consumption, we can get different nutrients for our body. Their toning, moisturising, antioxidant and mineralising properties make fruit juices a cornerstone of a balanced diet.
