Texas grapefruit growers and shippers are enjoying good prices for their fruit this season. Florida supplies have suffered because of citrus greening, and with less volume on the market, prices have been kept afloat.
“Prices are a little higher than in past years,” said J.B. Cutsinger of International Citrus and Produce. “Prices might come off a little on bigger sizes later in the season, but the market is pretty stable.” On January 12, prices for a carton of Rio Star Fancy 27s from Texas were between $20.98 and $24.35, and prices for Choice 27s were between $12.98 and $16.98. Those returns are better than what shippers saw last season.
Consumption of grapefruit has suffered partly due to consumer worries about how some drugs can interact when taken shortly after or before consuming grapefruit or grapefruit products. Though domestic consumption has stabilized over the last decade, consumption in 2014 was about half what it was 20 years ago. But, with less volume available, prices are good.
“The season started off a little rough because there was so much rain, but we've got a good market,” said Cutsinger. “Quality out of Texas is the best of the season, so we're shipping really good quality fruit.”
