Supply Chain Research

The USDA reports that the Florida orange harvest is half what it was at the same time a year ago due to plant disease. Imports of whole fruit are led by suppliers in Chile, Mexico and South Africa. In September imports fell 16% on a year earlier, and have increased by just 6% in October. A similar picture can be seen in orange juice, where imports have fallen 36% in October after four monthly increases despite prices hitting an all time high. A significant increase in imports will be needed in November to avoid shortfalls for consumers.