Market situation in the Northern Hemisphere, week 17 — 2011

Apples

In North America, the level of domestic U.S. supply affected imported fruit sales, especially for the Granny Smith variety.  Canada had little interest for Southern Hemisphere imports due to the high level of U.S. apples. 

In Latin America, Mexico registered price adjustments for Chilean Royal Gala apples, while Colombia recorded a slow movement of inventory which led to wholesale price adjustments. Brazil had slower sales in the week towards the end of the month, while domestic apple prices fell in Argentina due to higher volumes.

In the Middle East, healthy sales rates and price stability were registered for Southern Hemisphere imports.

Asia’s main markets reported moderate sales and prices that were sensitive to fruit condition and quality, both for supply from the U.S. and the Southern Hemisphere. India’s imported apple sales and prices remained stable.

Avocados

Improved sales rates were observed in the U.S. compared to the previous week, with price variations observed.

In Latin America, Argentina did not register new arrivals of Chilean supply, while Chile’s domestic market remained strong.

Blueberries

North American markets saw active sales pace for blueberries, with scarce availability and high prices for domestically-grown fruit. However, the supply of Chilean fruit remained stable.

The Southern Hemisphere season was over for continental European and U.K. markets, while fair sales activity was registered for Spanish and Moroccan blueberries, with volumes increasing.

In Asia, the Southern Hemisphere season was nearing its end, although arrivals from Chile continued with limited availability. Japan continued to be the main blueberry market in the region.

Kiwifruit

In North America, lower inventory pressure was observed, following a decline in Chilean supply in previous weeks. There were no price variations recorded.

In Latin America, Mexico’s Chilean kiwifruit supply was appropriate when compared to sales rates, maintain stable prices. In Argentina, consumers favored Chilean Hayward kiwifruit over local produce which was of smaller size. Colombia’s supply was reduced with slow movement of volumes, while Brazil’s high circulation of volumes led to wholesale price adjustments.

The Middle East registered scarce availability of Italian Hayward kiwifruit, while markets are still waiting for the Southern Hemisphere season supply to reach their shores.

In Asia, the Southern Hemisphere kiwifruit season was slowly starting, with Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland reporting the first sale of Chilean and New Zealand kiwifruit. India’s supply of Italian Hayward kiwifruit was appropriate for demand levels.

Peaches/Nectarines

In North America, peaches and nectarines registered moderate sales rates in the U.S. without any great variations in price.

In Latin America, both fruits registered price falls in Mexico while Brazil and Colombia received their final Chilean imports for the season. No changes were seen in the Argentine market, which continued with domestic production.

In the U.K. and on the European continent, the Southern Hemisphere peach and nectarine seasons were coming to a close with the final days of trade.

The Southern Hemisphere season was also nearing its end for Asian markets, with Chilean arrivals having reached their peak and in a rate of decline. Australian availability remained limited.

Pears

In North America, the U.S. pear market remained stable without price variation.

In Latin America, a fall in Southern Hemisphere volumes was observed in Mexico, while Colombia began domestic production for the season, generating price adjustments for imported pears. Argentina’s market was stable, with part of its production supplying Brazil, which reported higher arrival volumes.

Plums

Inventory rotation was slow in the U.S. but price variations were not registered.

In Latin America, Mexico’s limited supply from the Chilean season reached a close, with price rises for fruit in good condition. Argentina’s maintained a scarce local supply while Brazil mainly sourced Chilean Angeleno plums with low sales levels.

In Asia, imported plum sales were mainly of the Chilean Angeleno variety with moderate pace in Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Chinese mainland.

Table Grapes

In North America, Thompson Seedless variety grapes continued to show high prices in the U.S.

In Latin America, Mexico’s grape market registered healthy sales with prices rising for all varieties. Colombia experienced a slow movement of stock due to weather conditions of wind and rain, which kept the market under pressure. Brazil’s sales rates were low as it was towards the end of the month, while Argentina was supplied by local volumes and low prices due to problems with condition.

In Europe, despite the high levels of supply for Red Globe and Crimson Seedless grapes, the market remained stable.

In the Middle East, healthy sales rates and price stability were registered for Southern Hemisphere imports.

In Asia, markets in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland reported sales stability but with flexible prices, depending on the condition and quality of imported grapes. Taiwan’s sales were able to match demand well, while Korea received its last significant volumes of Chilean grapes for the season. India’s imported table grape sales and prices remained stable.

iQonsulting/ edited by www.freshfruitportal.com