BGP: Australian citrus season starts with steady volumes and early export demand

The Australian citrus season is underway for BGP International, with harvesting in full swing across the Riverina and Riverland for navels and lemons, while IronBark Royal Honey Murcotts and Murcotts are being picked in Northern Queensland.

Overall volumes are expected to be similar to last season, despite many growers reporting lower-than-average yields. Julian Bartucca from BGP International says new plantings coming into production this year are helping to offset the shortfall.

Fruit sizing is expected to be slightly down on last year, generally one to two counts smaller. Wind events following the fruit set have also led to increased blemishing in some regions, which is expected to result in a higher proportion of fruit being packed into Composite and Composite 2 grades.

Early varieties such as M7s and Navelinas are already on the market; however, Washington Navels are running behind schedule.

Julian says colour development has been slower than usual due to warmer night temperatures, with forecast rain and scattered showers also contributing to delays in harvesting. As a result, the Washington Navel season is expected to be around 10 to 14 days later than normal.

Southeast Asia and North America remain BGP International’s key export markets. Demand for navels has been steady as the Northern Hemisphere supplies wind down. Mandarins, however, have had a slower start, with Northern Hemisphere fruit still present in some markets.

Julian says demand for mandarins is expected to lift as this fruit clears.

“We expect demand to pick up for good Australian mandarins as Northern Hemisphere fruit moves out of the market. Early-season demand has been firm both domestically and internationally, supported by the earlier-than-expected finish of several Northern Hemisphere supply programs. Australia’s seasonal window continues to position its citrus well globally, with buyers stepping in earlier as competing supply tightens.”

Increasing costs
Input costs continue to rise across the supply chain, with higher production, packaging and logistics expenses flowing through to retail prices and affecting consumer spending.

“Input costs have continued to rise in all markets, and it is affecting consumer spending as retail prices continue to rise. The disruptions overseas are having an impact on general consumer spending and causing a real pinch on all businesses throughout the produce landscape,” says Julian.

Broader global disruptions are also weighing on confidence and adding further pressure across the fresh produce sector.

Like much of the industry, exporters are also navigating higher operating costs alongside ongoing geopolitical disruptions that continue to impact shipping availability into some regions.

Julian says access into the Middle East has become more challenging this season due to reduced routing and quoting options from shipping lines.

“We are seeing shipping lines limiting routing options into the Middle East, which is restricting access and may impact export volumes this season.”

Despite these challenges, BGP International expects a steady season ahead, underpinned by consistent volumes and ongoing international demand for Australian citrus.

For more information:
Julian Bartucca
BGP International
julian@bgp.com.auPublication date: Wed 10 Jun 2026

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