RIOblanco has completed the 2026 citrus season in the Coquimbo Region. While the cycle was marked by climatic, productive, and logistical challenges, the company maintained its commitment to fruit quality and operational continuity.
The season began early with the Clementine harvest in the upper area of Ovalle between April and May. This was followed by Fukumoto oranges, continuing with Spring Navel, whose harvest is currently wrapping up at the Agrícola Oasis orchard. In parallel, the harvest of W. Murcott mandarins began at Frutícola RIOblanco’s La Calichera orchard, while Agrícola Oasis will join in the coming days.
One of the major milestones of this winter was the heavy rainfall recorded in the Coquimbo Region. Although the precipitation forced logistical adjustments and caused a few days of harvest delays, it did not affect the quality of the fruit. “As agricultural news, the amount of water we received is very good news. We had been dealing with many years of drought, and today we have reservoirs that will allow us to secure water for the next two or three seasons,” noted Rodrigo Arévalo, Production Manager at RIOblanco, while assessing the rain fronts.
Regarding the general outlook of the season, Arévalo explains that the main challenge continues to be the availability of accumulated water over recent years—a situation that has impacted orchard development and fruit sizing.
“It has been a complex season from a production standpoint due to the lack of water. However, this rain comes at a crucial moment because it will allow us to project future seasons with greater peace of mind,” he added.
With the start of the W. Murcott mandarin harvest and packing, RIOblanco closes a season that was not without its difficulties, but one where the fruit managed to maintain its quality to arrive in excellent condition for our clients in the United States.
