AUSTRALIA produces 600,000 tonnes of citrus fruit each year. The vast majority of the citrus category is made up of oranges (76%) with the balance split between mandarins (16%), lemons and limes (5.5%) and grapefruit (2.5%).

The fertile soils of the Murray Valley and well developed irrigation areas enhance Australia’s reputation as a quality supplier of citrus fruits. Positioned in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia is well placed to provide counter seasonal fruit to help keep your customers supplied year round.

Today, 32,000 hectares of citrus are planted by about 2800 growers. The major production regions are in the Riverland, South Australia; Murray Valley, Victoria and New South Wales; Riverina, New South Wales and the Central Burnett region in Queensland. There are also additional plantings throughout Western Australia, inland and coastal New South Wales, regions in Queensland, as well as smaller plantings in the Northern Territory.

Total Australian citrus production has averaged 615,000 tonnes over the last 5 years (from 2003-04 to 2007-08).

Key citrus varieties are Navels, Valencias and Mandarins;

• Navels mainly grown in 3 southern growing regions Murray Valley, Riverina and Riverland
• Valencias mainly grown in Riverina
• Mandarins mainly grown in QLD

Key citrus growing region share of total hectares:

• Riverina                    28%
• Riverland                  24%
• Murray Valley            23
• QLD                          15%
• Other                        10%

Table 1 Citrus - Oranges Availability by Variety - fresh supply only

Table 2 Citrus- Varieties - fresh supply only

Navels
Navels account for approximately 46% of orange production and are released to market during the winter months of June, July and August. They have a rich orange, slightly thicker skin and the characteristic ’belly button’. They are excellent eating fruit.

Valencias
Valencias account for approximately 54% of orange production and are released to market over the summer months of November to February. They are a delicious sweet juicy fruit, perfect for juicing as well as eating.

Mandarins are available March to November and are best from May to October.
Grapefruits are available all year, but are best between November and April.
Lemons and Limes are available all year, the best limes are from January to April.

Table 3 Citrus- Major Growing Regions - fresh supply only

Major Growing Regions
Citrus is grown in most states of Australia. Different regions have different climates so some varieties perform better at some locations than others.  The largest growing areas are the Riverland, the Riverina and Sunraysia districts along the Murray Valley.

Packaging

Most Australian Navel and Valencia oranges are exported in 15 kg cartons.

Speak to your exporter regarding special needs.