Texas Growers Start Citrus Season with Smaller Fruit

The 2026-2027 season began in early October with lower fruit sizing due to ongoing drought conditions in South Texas.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Agriculture

A close-up of small, unripe grapefruits on a dry, weathered tree branch in a sun-baked Texas orchard. — Texas citrus producers face smaller fruit sizing as they begin the 2026-2027 season, with growers contending with ongoing drought conditions in South Texas. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Texas citrus producers officially launched the 2026-2027 season in early October 2026. While the crop currently faces smaller fruit sizing, growers expect total carton volume to exceed the previous season's output.

Why it matters

The late start to the harvest was driven by small fruit size and low maturity levels, which have struggled against competition from South African imports and early California harvests. Growers rely on a mix of rainfall and irrigation to meet sizing standards, but persistent drought in the region has constrained these efforts.

Current water levels in the Lake Amistad and Falcon watershed system are higher than they were during the previous year. Meanwhile, Texas grapefruit currently displays high red coloration and high sugar levels despite the challenges in fruit size.

The players

Texas Valley Citrus Committee

This organization facilitates meetings for regional growers to determine crop expectations and industry standards.

Lone Star Citrus

This producer operates in the Texas citrus market and maintains contact via telephone at +1 (956) 424-7775.

The details

The season launch was delayed as growers waited for fruit to reach required maturity levels. While market demand is currently pressured by offshore competition, a greater supply of Texas grapefruit is anticipated to enter the market within two weeks, at which point prices are expected to soften.

The Texas Valley Citrus Committee met in June 2026 to discuss crop expectations.
The initial harvest period began in early October 2026 following rainfall.
This current report reflects the state of the industry in late October 2026.
An increase in Texas grapefruit supply is expected by early November 2026.
The Texas citrus season is scheduled to conclude in spring 2027.

Market Landscape

The regional industry follows a pattern set by the historical competition between South African offshore citrus and domestic Texas harvests. This current season highlights how local growers navigate market pressures while attempting to clear offshore supply from domestic grocery stores.

Shoppers can expect market prices for Texas grapefruit to soften within the next two weeks as increased volume reaches store shelves. Consumers may also notice that South African fruit will be cleared from grocery stores during this same two-week timeframe.

The takeaway

While the 2026-2027 season faced a slow start, the combination of higher reservoir water levels and projected volume growth suggests a strong season ahead. Consumers looking for the best values on Texas citrus should track supply increases as more domestic fruit hits the market in November.