California's Valencia orange season is wrapping up, and Navel season is set to begin on a limited basis next week, according to Markon Cooperative's October 6 crop update. Prices on small-size fruit — 113- to 138-count — are expected to ease in late October as more Navel volume comes online.
This transition marks a key seasonal shift for the California citrus category. Valencias have been the workhorse of summer supply, and the Navel switchover traditionally signals the start of the premium fall and winter citrus window. The initial availability will be limited, meaning supply constraints and higher prices on preferred sizes should be expected in the short term.
Buyers building fall citrus programs should factor in a limited early Navel window before volume normalizes. The expected softening on small sizes in late October suggests retailers planning promotional pricing should target that timing.