Seedless and easy-peel varieties are the future of citrus. According to Freshmax category and supply integration general manager Andrew Maughan, the global demand for seedless has gone hand-in-hand with easy-peel varieties.
"In some key citrus markets, seedless is becoming an essential requirement, in that it’s predicted in the not-too-distant future that seedless citrus will be a non-negotiable requirement," he said.
The Freshmax Group comprises one of the largest fresh produce marketing and distribution operations in the pan-Pacific region.
It handles oranges, mandarins and lemons from Sunraysia and the Murray Valley in Victoria; Riverland in South Australia; the Riverina region of New South Wales and the Gayndah/Burnett region of Queensland.
This includes the Sumo Citrus, Gold Nugget and Tango Citrus mandarin brands.
"Ultimately, seedless easy-peel mandarins will impact the traditional seeded varieties if they are in the same competing market window," Mr Maughan said.
"Our opinion is that seedless easy-peel will become the market standard and regular seeded varieties will come under significant pressure to fit into the market place which will ultimately impact the financial sustainability of these varieties for producers."
Australian consumers are yet to be extensively presented with seedless easy-peel varieties.
Mr Maughan said in terms of Navel oranges, very low seeded or seedless fruit has been the standard for a very long time.
"We are firmly of the opinion that once Australian consumers have been exposed to seedless easy-peel mandarins, it will become demanded by consumers, much like seedless watermelon now dominates the Australian watermelon market," he said.
