Surveys from key growing regions within Mexico indicate that lime production has improved compared to previous estimates. However, as demand for lime continues to increase and purchase prices for fresh fruit remain high, the actual impact of these production improvements on the short-term Lime Oil market remains uncertain.
1/8/23: Mexico recently started its winter lime crop, which is the smaller of the two annual crops for the region. The crop quality of Mexican lime appears to be very high this year. Mexico’s winter crop is typically used to fulfill outstanding orders, rather than produce a bulk of new material. Prices for lime oil remain at historic highs, and the fresh fruit market continues to be extremely strong in Mexico.
8/23/22: Lime oil is entering an all-time high due to greatly increased demand for fresh limes. Limes play a crucial role in the foods of countless cultures, and as such the majority of available material goes towards the fresh market.
5/12/22: Crop was slightly delayed due to problematic weather conditions at the start of the winter season. Mexico heavily relies on both a winter season and a summer season for its total output of lime oil distilled, meaning that reduced volumes collected in the winter will lead to an overall reduced availability of oil. The harvest from Mexico’s latest season has just started and we expect some recovery in terms of volume. However, suppliers are still backlogged with previous contracts that have yet to be fulfilled, meaning the product will likely remain tight.
4/6/22: Anything to do with the lime market is a hot commodity right now. Availability of lime terpenes, cold-pressed oils, and other derivatives is almost nonexistent. Supply on these materials is expected to remain tight for the foreseeable future.
9/28/21: The harvest is coming to an end for key lime and Persian lime varietals; this was expected to be the larger of the two annual harvests but due to strong demand for fresh fruit, less material has been allocated for processing. No carryover is available and the next crop is not scheduled to begin until December 2021. We expect demand to continue being very strong.
7/23/21: Demand for lime oil remains firm out of Mexico, as the high season just recently started (after a short delay). Peru oil is sold out until their next crop season in September through October. In both these markets, precedence for fresh fruit is still the main cause for concern.
3/15/20: The next period of availability for Mexican Lime material will be this upcoming May/June. However, not much oil remains available for distillation, and many have already sold out of material due to the high fresh fruit demand, which is applicable to both conventional and organic limes. Buyers can expect this trend to continue, as no carryover material is available from previous harvests.
2/19/20: Fresh fruit remains in high demand from Mexico, which leaves little to processing. Market remains firm and prices continue to steadily increase based on availability as there is no carryover, no future relief till Q2 2021
1/20/20: Prices remain firm as short supply continues.
4/24/19: Harvest is over, not much carryover available which has sustained high price levels. Next crop season is June/July timeframe. Too early to predict crop volume. As a reference Mexico produces 1.5 – 1.8 million tons of fruit, this past crop there was a reduction of 50%
Significantly different from the lime profile of more traditional cold-pressed oils, Lime Oil Distilled Mexican is derived from the fruits of Citrus aurantiifolia plants. Due to its distillation method, the oil’s more “lemony” characteristics are subdued, allowing the fruity’s piney, camphoraceous, and somewhat lilac-like top note to shrine through. Lime oil distilled also expresses a subtle sweetness, making it highly popular among beverages, particularly sodas and other soft drinks.
Extremely sharp and fresh, with a zesty citrus flavor heavily reminiscent of fresh limes. Aroma is sweet and somewhat terpenic, with fruity undertones that blends well with other citric ingredients.
