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 186,186 tons in 2020. Over the last 5 years, there has been some decrease in the production of citrus but outputs per ha increased. The total area under citrus is now at some 6,820 ha.*

Export

Exports of citrus increased from USD 11.8 mn in 2015 to USD 22.2 mn in 2021. Growth of some 88%.**

Destinations

The main destination markets for Lebanese citrus fruit are in the Gulf region, namely UAE, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

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, 2022
** Trade data from Trade Map – International Trade Centre, 2022