Overview
Orange is the major citrus crop of Lebanon. Oranges are produced on the coastal plains of the south and north, as well as on the slopes and valleys of Mount Lebanon up to 600-meter altitude.
Certification
Until today, there is 1 citrus farm GlobalGAP certified.
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.*
Export
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.
Availability
Lebanese oranges are available from October until July, while mandarins and clementines are available from September till February.
* Production data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2023
** Trade data from Trade Map – International Trade Centre, 2023
