Sweet Oranges - Production

Production

Brazil is the world's leading orange producer, with an output almost as high as that of the next three countries combined (the United States, India and China). Orange groves are located mainly in the state of São Paulo, in the southeast region of Brazil, and account for approximately 80% of the national production. As almost 99% of the fruit is processed for export, 53% of total global frozen concentrated orange juice production comes from this area and the western part of the state of Minas Gerais. In Brazil, the four predominant orange varieties used for obtaining juice are Hamlin, Pera Rio, Natal and Valencia.

The United States is the second largest producer. Groves are located especially in Florida, California, Texas and Arizona. The majority of California's crop is sold as fresh fruit, whereas Florida's oranges are destined to juice products. Mid-south Florida produces about half as many oranges as Brazil but the bulk of its orange juice is not exported. The Indian River area of Florida is known for the high quality of its juice, which is often sold fresh in the US – frequently blended with juice produced in other regions because Indian River trees yield very sweet oranges but in relatively small quantities.

Production of orange juice between the São Paulo and mid-south Florida areas makes up roughly 85% of the world market. Brazil exports 99% of its production, while 90% of Florida's production is consumed in the US.

Orange juice is traded internationally in the form of frozen concentrated orange juice to reduce the volume used so that storage and transportation costs are lower.

The European Union is the third largest producer of oranges worldwide.

Other countries with a significant production are South Africa, Morocco and Argentina.