Harvest of Oranges - 50% in 2024/2025

Due to the drought in 2024/2025, losses of up to 50% are estimated for the orange harvest in Sicily and prices will rise sharply. Sangaspano is also suffering from a reduction in production but will not apply price increases to protect customers. The Sicilian countryside is experiencing a tragedy due to drought. And in particular, orange crops - according to estimates by Confagricoltura Sicilia - will suffer a drop in production in 2024/2025 which seems destined to halve this season. “The news that comes to us from our members – says the president of Confagricioltura Sicilia Rosario Marchese Ragona – is not at all encouraging: we believe there is a probable drop of between 40 and 50 percent. If we continue like this, all of Sicilian agriculture is destined to disappear." Many of the citrus groves have been abandoned because they are dry, and many plants will have to be cut - said Rosario Marchese Ragona - not to mention that the size of the oranges is very small, therefore probably unsellable". According to estimates, based on last year's market and production trends, the deadweight loss for the orange sector in Sicily could be around 300 million. Sangaspano's organic orange and lemon crops in northern Sicily also suffered from the drought. Our company has suffered the drying up of wells which have limited the possibility of irrigation. Orange production is therefore estimated to be significantly reduced even if it is of excellent quality. However, Sangaspano has decided not to raise the prices of citrus fruits which will remain the same as in 2023.