Market Pulse week 11 — 2011

Market situation in the Northern Hemisphere, week 11 — 2011

Apples

High sales rates were recorded for Chilean Royal Gala apples in the U.S. with lower prices, while the first lots of Granny Smith were expected to arrive in the following week. In Canada, volumes of Chilean Royal Gala apples were not sufficient to establish a market, while in Mexico the Chilean supply registered active sales rates. There was a significant increase in Chilean Royal Gala sales on the European continent and in the U.K., in comparison to the previous campaign. Apple prices both in Europe and in the Southern Hemisphere were at relatively stable levels. High volumes of Red Delicious variety apples in Argentina led to price falls, while Brazil registered an increase in the product from the low volumes that were previously in the market. A high supply in the market led to price falls for Chilean Royal Gala apples in Colombia. Asian markets showed low sales rates, both for supply from the U.S. and the first arrivals from Chile and New Zealand.

Avocados

Moderate sales rates were observed in the U.S. with higher prices, while Mexico showed active sales and higher wholesale prices. The first arrivals of Peruvian Hass avocadoes were registered in Europe with limited volumes, while there was a higher supply of Peruvian and Kenyan avocadoes in the market, with increased participation. Argentina registered high sales volumes for supply in good condition, but prices were similar to what they were in the previous week. Chile’s domestic market reached new price high sales at the retail level.

Blueberries

Moderate sales rates continued in the U.S. with fruit in good condition recording price rises. In the U.K. and the European mainland there was a downward trend for Chilean blueberries supply, but fruit in good condition reached stable sales price levels. Chilean blueberries gradually reached Japan by air and sea freight, while stable prices and sales rates were observed in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

Kiwifruit

The first lots of Chilean kiwifruit arrived in the U.S., although volumes were limited. Sales were stable in Mexico as inventory rapidly declined, while in Europe prices rose in some markets due to a lower supply of large Italian kiwifruit. Good prices were registered in both Brazil and Argentina for the final Italian Hayward variety kiwifruit, while the first Chilean shipments arrived in Colombia in good condition. Lower volumes of Italian and New Zealand kiwifruit from the previous season were sold in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, while the main Asian markets prepare for the arrival of Chilean kiwifruit in the first week of April.

Peaches/Nectarines

The U.S. recorded price adjustments for nectarines and peach prices showed no variation, while active sales rates remained in Mexico without price changes. In the European continent and the U.K, Chilean nectarines showed high volume sales as the Southern Hemisphere season arrived at a close. Despite low volumes of local nectarines in South America, prices in Argentina stayed stable, while prices in Brazil fell compared to week 10. Prices for Chilean nectarines remained stable in Colombia. Asia’s main markets reported a slow rotation of Southern Hemisphere nectarine inventory, while the low availability of Australian nectarines in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland favored the performance of Chilean varieties, which arrived in good condition.

Pears

Argentine Williams pears showed moderate sales rates in the U.S., while the market for D’Anjou pears in Mexico was stable without price variations. School vacations in Canada affected the consumption of Argentine Williams pears. On the European continent and in the U.K. there were slow sales rates for Williams and Bon Chretien variety pears, with a decrease in arrivals as the season came closer to its end. There was an increase in supply of Packham’s T pears in Europe although sales were slow. Argentina maintained similar sales rates to the previous week, while Brazil registered the first arrivals of Argentine D’Anjou pears with good price opening levels. Chilean Summer Bartlett pears showed advanced grades of ripeness in Colombia, leading to low market prices.

Plums

Angeleno plums showed active sales rates and elevated prices in the U.S, while Larry Ann plum sales rates and prices fell in Mexico. Stable prices were observed in the U.K but there were slight price adjustments on the European continent. Both Argentina and Colombia maintained the prices of the previous week, while the supply of Chilean Larry Ann plums led to price falls in Brazil. Chilean supply also led to price falls in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, where its volumes were dominant. Australian and South African plums represented a lower proportion of the market but registered higher stability. 

Table Grapes

Sales were concentrated in white seedless grapes in the U.S. due to large inventory volumes, while Mexico observed active sales of the Thompson S. variety with price rises. Meanwhile, Canadian consumption continued to be affected by spring vacation. On the European mainland and the U.K the high Chilean supply of white seedless grapes put downward pressure on prices, while logistical problems in the Russian port of St. Petersburg led to a low supply of foreign grapes. Brazilian and Argentine markets remained stable without price variation, due to good supply volumes. Prices fell in Colombia due to a high supply of Chilean Red Globe grapes. Asian markets registered active sales of Southern Hemisphere grapes, but there was increased instability with high volumes of white seedless grapes. In Japan there was uncertainty for the market of imported grapes.

Source: iQonsulting/ edited by www.freshfruitportal.com