Seasons in Lebanon
Varieties :
The main orange varieties that are grown in Lebanon are Navels, Shamouti, Blood oranges and Valencia.
The varieties of mandarins and clementines range from the old Yusuf Effendi Mandarin, originally cultivated in Tripoli and its surrounding, to the most known Clementine varieties. These fruits are popular and produced all over the coastal plains from the south to the north.
Production :
Production of oranges, mandarins and clementines stands at some 190,295 tons in 2021. Over the last 5 years, there has been some slight increase in both the production of citrus and also the outputs per ha. The total area under citrus is at some 6,878 ha in 2021.
Exports :
Exports of citrus increased from USD 11,8 million in 2015 to USD 22,2 million in 2021, then dropped to USD 16,4 million (52,098 Tons; 39% of 5-year growth)
Destinations :
The main destination markets for Lebanese citrus fruit are in the Gulf region, namely Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Jordan, and Oman.
Varieties :
Apart from the Hass and Lebanon also produces the bigger Lambhass variety, Ettinger, Fuerte, Pinkerton and Reed varieties. These avocado varieties are popular in the MENA region and the Gulf markets.
Production :
The area under avocadoes increased by 60.9% between 2015 and 2021 to reach 1,580 ha, while the production increased by 53.8% to reach 18,955 tons in 2021.*
Exports :
The country’s exports of avocados have grown from USD 0,6 million in 2015 to USD 7,7 million in 2022, with a volume of export of 8,884 tons (a 5-year growth of 616%). Over the next few years, growth will further accelerate to satisfy the growing demand for avocados in the region and the European market.
Destinations :
Most destination countries for Lebanese-exported avocados are in the Middle Eastern region. Egypt and Jordan and top the list followed by Kuwait, UAE, Iraq, and Qatar.
European countries still lag behind with an exception of Ukraine. Market entry efforts are picking up in markets like Germany, Russian Federation, Sweden, UK and France. Supported by GlobalGAP certification, growing exports to European countries are expected in the next few years.