Market situation in the Northern Hemisphere, week 11 — 2012 (Mar. 16)

Apples

In North America and Europe, the offshore Royal Gala season was slowly establishing itself.

In Latin America, the Colombian market continued to register high prices for small-sized Royal Galas due to their low availability.

Avocados

In North America, a high proportion of large-sized fruit was reported in the U.S. market, leading to a slower inventory rotation.

In Latin America, the Chilean and Argentine markets remained unchanged.

In Europe, a price range improvement was registered in the U.K. as fruit in poor condition had been cleaned out.

Blueberries

In North America, good quality fruit was scarce in the U.S., leading to price increases for better lots on the East Coast.

In Europe, a better level of fruit condition on arrival was reported, leading to higher prices in the U.K. and the Netherlands.

In Asia, very limited volumes from Chile were registered.

Pears

In North America, good trading was seen for Argentine Williams pears in the U.S.

In Latin America, slight price adjustments were registered for the Argentine Williams supply in Brazil, while the same trend was reported in Colombia for Chilean Packham's T pears.

In Europe, the domestic pear situation continued to cause difficulties, while the Southern Hemisphere supply was compatible with current sales activity.

Stonefruit

In North America, high inventories still remained in the U.S. market despite sales improvement for nectarines.

In Latin America, Chilean lots with problems were reported in Colombia, but this is not the case for the whole market.

In Europe, problems with condition were reported in the U.K., mainly for nectarines more than with plums.

In Asia, plum trading remained stable.

Table Grapes

In North America, the Chilean Flame Seedless season was in its final stages in the U.S., while low availability of Crimson Seedless grapes continued.

In Latin America, Colombian importers were surprised by the extended season of Peruvian Red Globes.

In Europe, high inventory levels for red seedless grapes remained.

In Asia, Hong Kong and mainland China have been receiving table grapes from India, mainly of the black seedless varieties.

iQonsulting/edited by www.freshfruitportal.com