With California’s Valencia season nearing its end, rising markets and tightened supplies are expected until new crops from Florida, Mexico, and Texas arrive in November.

California is facing a significant decline in its available Valencia orange supply, with several major growers having already concluded their seasons, according to Markon.

The state is expected to experience a supply gap in October, which will continue until the Navel orange season begins in late October or early November. This shortage is likely to impact market availability and pricing in the coming weeks, as suppliers make adjustments to meet demand.

Currently, Markon First Crop and Markon Essentials Valencia oranges are still on the market, but substitutions in size and grade are becoming necessary to fulfill orders. The overall quality of the remaining Valencia oranges is considered fair at best, and the market is expected to remain elevated until the end of the season.

In response to the reduced California supply, imports of oranges from Chile have increased, particularly on both the East and West Coasts. These imports are helping fill the gap left by California’s diminished supply. The quality of these Chilean imports is noted to be excellent, although the market is also anticipated to tighten as supplies decrease.

Mexico’s orange season is expected to begin in early November, with the Early orange seedless variety becoming available in both McAllen, Texas, and Nogales, Arizona. Similarly, Texas growers will start shipping oranges around the same time, with Navels being the predominant variety, though Early oranges will also be available.

Florida’s new orange crop will be ready for shipment by late October. The bulk of the supply is expected to consist of 100- to 125-count and larger packs, with most of the fruit classified as choice or standard grades. The supply from Florida will play a crucial role in stabilizing the market as California and international supplies wane.