There is nothing quite like the blast of fresh citrusy scent that comes from slicing open a tangy tangerine or plump, ripe grapefruit. From light and tart lemons to sweet and sunshiney oranges, citrus fruits are one of the prominent fruit and vegetable categories worldwide – and for good reason! But for many years, a danger has been lurking on the surface of these coveted fruits.
This invisible toxin has been used by industry to prevent post-harvest decay and ensure that citrus stays firm and colorful after picking, sorting, transporting, and being displayed in-store displays and on home countertops. FruitMag™ is an innovative, non-toxic solution developed by ICL Group to help improve the health of the environment and citrus consumers worldwide. Let’s first dive into the citrus market and its challenges.
The Importance of Citrus in our Day-to-Day Lives
Citrus fruits are used in many different ways around the world. From a fresh glass of orange juice with breakfast to a tangerine in a school lunch or a twist of lemon in iced tea, citrus fruits are a favorite of global consumers. Luckily, citrus fruits are also a healthy choice for consumers.
In case you missed it: Citrus Fertilizer Management: Nutrient Requirements and Application Schedule
Citrus fruits are known for being an excellent source of vitamin C. Flavonoids are essential nutrients and are responsible for their bright colors and abundant aroma. Citrus fruits are also a great source of soluble and insoluble fibers, which reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve blood sugar levels, and support the digestive system. Citrus fruits are a healthy home run.
Citrus Market Trends, Facts, and Figures
The citrus market is on the move, trending upwards, with growth over the last thirty years of 125%. Both citrus trade and production growth are slower than general fruit and vegetable sector growth, though it is still a leading category. Citrus fruits are grown in over 140 countries worldwide, though leading producers are China, Brazil, and the United States of America.
Around one third of citrus fruit produced globally is used for processing. Orange production in 2023/24 is forecasted to rise by 3% to 3.7 million tons. For 2023/24, global orange production is estimated to be up 48.8 million tons, and consumption and exports are both up with the higher production.
In case you missed it: How to Grow a Finger Lime Tree: Planting, Propagation, Care for Citrus Australasica/Caviar Lime
Citrus’ Challenges
To meet global trade demand for citrus, packinghouses in the industry often use a chemical called TPZ for post-harvest treatment of fruit. This helps manage post-harvest loss and post-harvest changes in fruit to extend shelf life. Without these treatments, citrus fruits are vulnerable to various post-harvest diseases like blue mold, green mold, sour rot, etc. These pathogen-borne post-harvest diseases of fruits cause widespread economic loss in the citrus industry.
TPZ and synthetic fungicides are used in post-harvest storage of fruits to reduce moisture loss and remove pathogens. TPZ is considered a pesticide, and while it coats and protects the fruit to reduce post-harvest loss, it can be toxic to humans and the environment. The industry has been working to replace this chemical for many years. Many non-chemical treatments have been explored to reduce post-harvest disease in fruits caused by pathogens. However, no ideal solution to keep fruit firm without toxic chemicals has been found.
In case you missed it: Citrus Farming in India: Citrus Fruit Cultivation Cost, Profit, and Production by State
Sustainability Drives Safe Innovation
FruitMag™ represents an innovative solution in the citrus industry. It offers a natural and sustainable method to reduce post-harvest loss across various citrus varieties. As a firming agent that prevents moisture loss, its food-grade formulation of magnesia, sourced from natural minerals, demonstrates a commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
This solution effectively combats pathogens like Penicillium digitatum and Geotrichum candidum, providing a superior alternative to conventional treatments. It ensures fruit preservation without reliance on toxic materials. FruitMag™ underscores a shift towards sustainability in fruit preservation, replacing hazardous substances with a non-toxic, mineral-based approach.
In case you missed it: Best 20 Lemon Varieties: Sweet, Large, and Rare High Yield Cultivars
This advancement not only enhances the shelf life of citrus fruits but also aligns with the industry’s growing emphasis on safe, sustainable practices. By offering a fungicide-free solution that outperforms traditional methods, FruitMag™ is setting a new standard in post-harvest treatment, marking a significant step forward in achieving a healthier, more sustainable future for food preservation.
- Beginner Vegetable Garden Planning Guide: How to Plan Your First Vegetable Garden Successfully
- 15 Companion Planting Rules Every Vegetable Gardener Should Know (With Chart)
- Vegetable Garden Layout Planner: Design, Spacing and Bed Planning Guide
- How Much Pesticide Per Acre? Use This Free Dosage Calculator for Exact Spray Mix, Water & Tank Quantity
- Most Profitable Crops in India Per Acre (Profit Calculator + Income Guide)
- Water Requirement for Crops in India – How Much Irrigation Water Does 1 Acre Need?
- Broiler Farming Profit Per Bird in India: Real Cost, Income and Net Profit Calculation
- Plant Population Per Acre for Crops: Spacing Chart & Plants Per Acre Table
- Fertilizer Requirement Per Acre for Major Crops in India (Complete Practical Farmer Guide)
- Which Industry Gets More Versatility From Skid Steer Attachments: Farming or Landscaping?
- Profit Per Acre of Major Crops in India (Crop Income & Cost Analysis Guide)
- Pruning Tomato Plants: When, How, and Why to Prune for Bigger Harvests
- Leading Controlled-Release Fertilizer Manufacturers in 2026
- How Long Does Grass Seed Take to Grow? Germination, Growth Stages & Timeline
- Zucchini Plant Problems: 20 Common Issues and How to Fix Them
- Pepper Plant Problems: 16 Common Growing Issues and How to Fix Them
- Okra Growing Problems: 15 Common Issues and How to Fix Them
- Why Are My Tomatoes Rotting on the Bottom? Causes and How to Fix It
- Money Plant Not Growing? Here’s Exactly Why and How to Fix It Fast
- What Is the Difference Between Conventional and Sustainable Farming?
- Tilapia Feeding Guide: How Much Feed Per Day by Pond Size & Fish Weight
- Best Value Organic Feed Options for Backyard Chickens
- Seed Starting Indoors: Timing Chart and Transplanting Guide by Zone
- Vegetables That Grow With Limited Sunlight | Complete Shade Garden Guide
- What to Feed Backyard Chickens: How Much & When (Beginner’s Guide)
- The Hidden Dangers of Heat Stress in Livestock
- How Many Eggs Does a Chicken Lay Per Day? The Complete Guide for Backyard Chicken Owners
- Can You Grow Tomatoes From Store-Bought Tomatoes? (I Tried It To Grow Tomatoes From Supermarket Tomatoes)
- Backyard Chickens Pros and Cons: The Truth After 1 Year
- Can Curry Leaves Grow in Cold Climates? Winter Survival Guide for USDA Zones 6–9
- When to Plant Garlic in Fall in the USA (Best Time by Zone)
- 10 Kitchen Scraps to Regrow (And 5 That Don’t Work—Honest Results from Real Kitchens)
- Hidden Costs of Backyard Chickens Nobody Talks About: My 1-Year Reality Check
- Growing Ginger from Store-Bought Ginger: What Worked in My Pots After 8 Months
- Growing Grocery Store Potatoes: What Worked and What Didn’t
- How to Improve Clay Soil: Fix Drainage Fast (USDA Zones 4–11 Guide)