Oranges - Tropical and Subtropical Fruits: Postharvest Physiology, Processing and Packaging - page 385

80

World Africa Americas Asia Europe

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Figure 21.1. World and regional production of oranges (1990-2010) (source: Adapted from FAO, 2011).

hybrid that is one-eighth grapefruit, three-eighths tangerine,
and one-half orange. In Brazil, the most common varieties
for processing are 'Valencia,' 'Hamlin,' and 'Pera.' 'Valen-
cia' is the most important variety for processing because of
its long harvesting season, robust orange flavor, and intense
color. 'Valencia' oranges are harvested from late winter to
early summer. Hamlin is the earliest orange variety har-
vested from mid-fall to early spring. There are many other
cultivated orange varieties and more are being developed
in plant improvement laboratories across the world but are
not discussed here because they are for local markets and
are currently of minor economic value (Kimball, 1999b).

Consumption trends, significance in human health
Most of the orange juice produced is consumed in the
United States and Europe. In developing and underdevel-
oped countries where most consumers cannot afford paying
the premium for processed juice, if they can afford the fruit,
most people squeeze their own juice. However, the global
market for processed orange juice is expected to continue to
grow with the world's growing population, improved dis-
tribution systems, and increased purchasing power of some
developing countries. In contrast, US annual consumption
of fresh oranges has decreased from 5.4 to 4.3 kg per
capita between 2000 and 2009. US average total fruit juice

Table 21.1. Leading orange producer, exporter, and importer countries by quantity, metric tons.

2009 1 2009 1

Producers 2010 Exporters Importers

Brazil 19,112,300 Spain 1,430,270 Germany 511,247

USA 7,478,830 South Africa 951,557 Netherlands 476,152

India 6,268,100 Egypt 821,812 France 451,233

China 5,040,470 USA 512,368 Russian Federation 443,549

Mexico 4,051,630 Turkey 272,284 Saudi Arabia 303,642

Spain 3,120,000 Greece 261,433 United Kingdom 277,666

Egypt 2,401,020 Netherlands 202,742 United Arab Emirates 216,277

Italy 2,393,660 China 182,433 Italy 194,828

Indonesia 2,032,670 Morocco 181,962 Canada 185,932

Turkey 1,710,500 Argentina 137,488 China, Hong Kong SAR 175,787

Pakistan 1,542,100 Australia 134,375 Belgium 139,090

Iran 1,502,820 Lebanon 103,412 Ukraine 125,762

1 Latest data available.
Source: FAO (2011).