Spain Citrus Peel Supply Update 2026

Beacon Commodities Visit Murcia to Secure Dried Citrus Peel Amid Rising Lemon Prices

Sweet and Bitter Citrus Peel

Tommy has recently returned from a visit to Murcia in Spain. This is where Beacon Commodities source large quantities of their dried citrus peel from.

The processing of Sweet and Bitter Orange was in full swing during Tommy’s visit.

The conditions when Tommy was there were absolutely perfect for the processing of peels. It was 23°C with a very strong wind. This ensures the peels dry quickly therefore reducing the potential of mould or spoiled peels. In these conditions the peels will dry in around 5-7 days on wire racks.

Gin botanical drying orange peel on racks
Day 1 of drying on racks
orange peel drying in sun

Extreme Weather Events in Spain

This region of Spain has experienced some pretty extreme weather events over the past 24-36 months. It was back in October/November 2024 when the disastrous floods in Valencia occurred which killed over 200 people. A huge amount of property and crops were destroyed with the clear up still in progress today. The region of Murcia was affected but no way near to the same extent.https://beaconcommodities.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=5726&action=edit#

drying spanish orange peel on racks
Peels after drying on racks
just peeled oragnes for gin botanicals
Just peeled!
tommy haughton in murcia spain

This Year’s Excellent Sweet Orange Crop

The region of Murcia produces excellent citrus fruit being perfectly located between mountains to west and the Mediterranean Sea to the east. Michael and Tommy have relationships with growers and processors stretching back decades and although source from other origins, Murcia is definitely the preferred option.

lemon and orange peels for gin

This year’s crop of lemon is extremely difficult with prices set to rise. Most quantities of fresh lemons are already forward sold to juicers/supermarkets or at a price unobtainable for peel processing as the yield of fresh lemons this year will be very poor. This is due to damage inflicted on it in 2025 when heavy rains destroyed a huge number of the flowering trees.

Murcia cathedral in spain
Murcia Cathedral
dried peels awaiting inspection
Dried peels awaiting final inspection and packing
peeled fruit for aminal feed
The peeled fruit which will be used in animal feed

Tommy and Michael are working hard to secure as much of their requirements as possible but it is clear it is going to be another stressful year of citrus sourcing!

 

Please feel free to contact either Tommy or Michael direct to discuss in greater detail.

Tommy can be contacted on either +44 7900 244 939 or tommy@beaconcommodities.co.uk.

Michael can be contacted on either +44 7500 899 737 or michael@beaconcommodities.co.uk.