Market situation in the Northern Hemisphere, week 1 -- 2011

Apricots

In North America, there was a price adjustment in the United States that was most pronounced on the East Coast. In Mexico, the supply from Chile rose considerably from last season.

Avocado

In North America, a smaller supply caused price increases in the U.S. for all sizes. In Mexico, there was more activity in the market. In Europe and the United Kingdom, the Chilean season is finished. The market remained stable this week, despite less sales activity.

Blueberries

In North America, the big supply from Chile prompted the use of 18-ounce containers in the U.S. In Canada, there was a big price adjustment for the 6-ounce format. In Europe and the United Kingdom, the week showed slow sales and a stable market. In Asia, the season for Argentine blueberries ended, leaving Chile as the only provider. In Hong Kong, there were stable sales, while in Japan there was a reduction in market activity.

Cherries

In North America, the sales pace was favorable with retail promotions in the U.S. In Canada, the Chilean supply remains limited. In Europe, an increase in the supply arriving by ship created market pressure that suggests big price adjustments in the next few days. In Asia, the main markets of the region also showed a tendency toward a drop in prices for all of the supply from the Southern Hemisphere, ahead of high volumes arriving from Chile. In Latin America, the Argentine cherry season is finished, leaving Chile practically as the sole provider.  Lower sales volume leads to  price stability this week.

Peaches/Nectarines

In North America, the prices for nectarines in the U.S. are similar to those from last year, while peaches maintain lower prices. In Mexico, there was better sales pace for peaches than for nectarines, which affected prices.

In Europe, despite lower sales this week, there were no changes in the development of the peach/nectarine market. In Asia, lower volumes of nectarines from the Southern Hemisphere start the season, although the prices of the supply near Australia are lower than those in Hong Kong/China.

Plums

In North America, opening prices in the U.S. were lower than those of last season. In Mexico, the Chilean supply continues to be limited. In Europe and the United Kingdom, sales rates for plums have been noticeably slower, a situation that should change next week with the end of vacation season. In Asia, the Southern Hemisphere plum season shows lower volume, and higher prices are forecast for the lots that arrive before Chinese New Year on Feb. 3.

Table grapes

In Asia, there was renewed movement in the market. In Hong Kong/China, grapes from California had limited volume and higher prices for lots in good condition. Southern Hemisphere grapes increased their share in the region, with arrivals from South Africa, Peru and Chile.

In North America, the season for California grapes is finished. In Mexico, there was a slow start for white seedless grapes from Chile. In Canada, the market remains moderate due to higher prices. In Europe, a reduction in shipments from South Africa and delays from Argentina led to a smaller supply of seedless grapes and higher prices this week.

Photo: wikipedia.org

Source: iQonsulting/www.freshfruitportal.com