Andalusia forecasts 12.7% rise in citrus harvest to 2.11 million tonnes

Regional harvest set to exceed 2.1 million tonnes

Andalusia is forecast to produce 2.11 million tonnes of citrus in the 2026-2027 season, according to the regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. The official estimate covers 89,274 hectares and represents an increase of 12.7% from 2025-2026. Production would also stand 5.4% above the average of the previous four seasons.

The region is expected to account for almost 37% of Spain’s projected citrus production. Spain’s national crop is forecast at 5.74 million tonnes, 1.1% more than in the previous season. Andalusia’s considerably faster growth therefore raises its weight within domestic supply, particularly in oranges.

Manuel Gómez, secretary-general for Agriculture, Livestock and Agricultural Funds, presented the figures to citrus industry representatives in Seville. He cautioned that final output could differ from the estimate because of weather conditions or possible pest damage. The forecast draws on information supplied by the industry and data collected by the ministry’s provincial offices.

Oranges dominate the expected increase

Sweet oranges will remain the largest category, representing 67% of Andalusian citrus production. The region expects to harvest 1.4 million tonnes, an increase of 12.4% from the previous season. On this forecast, Andalusia would supply 50.5% of all oranges produced in Spain.

Mandarin production is projected at close to 557,000 tonnes, up 12.2%, and will comprise 26% of the regional crop. Lemon output is expected to rise 18.5% to 87,000 tonnes, equivalent to 4% of the total. Grapefruit and other citrus fruit are forecast at approximately 50,800 tonnes, or 2%. Andalusia is projected to contribute 30.7% of Spain’s mandarins, 8.8% of its lemons and 35.2% of its grapefruit.

Seville remains the main producing province, with an expected 877,803 tonnes, up 11.4%. Huelva follows with 541,426 tonnes, an increase of 4.2%, while Córdoba is forecast to produce 342,677 tonnes, up 32.8%. Estimates stand at 192,778 tonnes for Almería, 103,452 tonnes for Málaga and 42,881 tonnes for Cádiz. Granada records the strongest relative increase, rising 148% from 5,296 tonnes to 13,132 tonnes.

Employment and export exposure

The campaign is expected to support around 4.4 million workdays across Andalusia, including 2.5 million workdays directly related to field harvesting. The larger crop will increase demand for picking, handling and packing capacity, while making weather and pest developments important for both growers and seasonal workers.

Citrus sales in Andalusia reached €1.073 billion in 2025, equal to 6.18% of the value of the region’s agricultural sector, Agroinformación reported. International sales generated €239 million between September 2025 and June 2026. Orange exports led with 165,000 tonnes worth €145 million, followed by more than 41,000 tonnes of mandarins worth €52 million and more than 21,000 tonnes of lemons worth €36 million. The projected supply increase gives exporters more volume to market, but the final commercial effect will depend on harvest quality, timing and demand.