Medrano Produce Shares July Lemon Market Update; Franco Medrano Discusses

PHARR, TX - In the early stages of its July start, activity in the Mexican lemon market is building. Although the market is not yet in promotional volume, availability is set to improve later in the month as new-crop fruit comes online. I spoke with Franco Medrano, Medrano Produce’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, to learn how buy-side partners can prepare.

“Retailers and distributors should stay close to their suppliers on weekly availability, size profile, and quality expectations, especially if rain and heat continue to affect harvest timing,” shared Franco. “We recommend planning programs carefully in July, staying flexible on sizing and grade, and preparing for improved availability later in the month as new-crop Mexican lemons become more established.”

Franco explained that demand remains steady, and pricing is expected to stay firm until consistent crossings are established.

“Current pricing is generally in line with where the market was last season at this same point. Because the Mexican season is just beginning, pricing remains supported by limited early availability, but we do not currently see a major deviation from prior-year levels,” Franco added.

Medrano Produce’s growing regions experienced a combination of rainfall and high temperatures, which delayed some off-bloom harvests that are typically seen in May and June.

“Mexico’s rainy season generally runs from June through October, and recent reports show heavy early-July rainfall in Tamaulipas/Nuevo Leon and surrounding citrus regions, along with elevated heat in northern and northeastern Mexico,” Franco noted. “Fortunately, we have not seen meaningful quality issues on current fruit. That said, prolonged rain and heat can create more variability in appearance, accelerate maturity, and increase the need for careful grading and pack-out management.”

As conditions continue to develop, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more updates.