Lemons are getting cheaper, but...

Lemon prices in the Polish wholesale market continue the downward trend that began at the end of September this year. Moreover, it is a very dynamic trend, as it has led to a decrease in prices by about 38 to 46 percent so far, depending on the country of origin. However, this drop started at a record high level, and currently lemons are still more expensive than usual in October.

The decrease in lemon prices is a result of the increased supply of these fruits from exporters. Particularly, Turkey has entered the European market significantly, supplementing the offer of lemons imported from South Africa. This trend is expected to deepen further as the production season in Turkey is still in the growth phase.

As a consequence, the selling prices of lemons imported from South Africa in the Polish wholesale market are between 4.00-8.00 PLN/kg, depending on the size and quality. Prices of lemons from Turkey are heading in the same direction, usually around 6.00-8.00 PLN/kg.

Spanish lemons are still more expensive - typically priced between 8.00-10.00 PLN/kg, although the trading season is slowly gaining momentum in Spain. However, it is still in its very early stages on the Iberian Peninsula. It is the 42nd week of the year, and the wholesale trading campaign usually starts in weeks 43-45.

Therefore, we are witnessing a downward trend in lemon prices, and we can expect this trend to continue in the coming weeks. The question is, what will be the dynamics of this decline in the upcoming period? Will it bring prices down to a level similar to previous years? In October of last year, the average price was between 5.00-5.75 PLN/kg. Currently, it is still about 40 percent more expensive than that. In November 2023, the average price dropped to 4.00 PLN/kg, but that was during a season of high lemon supply. This year's campaign may not be as cheap. Prices could be closer to those of November 2022, around 6.00 PLN/kg.