Market situation in the Northern Hemisphere, week 2 — 2011

Apples

In North America, there was active movement for the majority of varieties in the U.S. and registered prices reached higher levels than last season, while in Mexico sales of imported apples have also kept prices high. In Europe, prices were slightly higher than last season with slow sales while undersupply in Russia spurred apple imports from Poland.

Apricots

In North America, promotions at the retail level in the U.S. weren’t enough to influence sales pace, which has not favoured the movement of what has been a larger supply available. In Mexico, this week marks the last lots from the Chilean apricot season.

Avocados

In Europe and the U.K., as the Chilean season is almost finished, the Hass supply has predominantly been from Spain and Israel. In North America, the lower U.S. supply and good activity in the market has generated new price increases. In Mexico, a rise in exports to the U.S. has triggered price hikes at the retail level. In other parts of Latin America the wholesale prices of avocados are trending lower.

Blueberries

In North America, prices continue their downward trend in the U.S. while Canada has experienced lower sales activity this week. In Europe and the U.K., sales rates have been compatible to supply levels. In Asia, Chile is practically the only provider of blueberries to the region’s main markets. Despite lower recorded volumes this week, prices have remained steady both in Hong Kong and Japan.

Cherries
In North America, a promotions boost at the retail level has helped market activity in the U.S. In Europe and the U.K. there has been a decrease in cherry volumes from the Southern Hemisphere, which are predominantly from a shipping supply. In South America, Brazil has maintained its low supply of cherries in good condition, which has improved prices. In Colombia, the combination of school holidays and rising batches of cherries in fragile condition has led to lower prices. In Asia, the supply of Southern Hemisphere cherries in Hong Kong/China maintained a downward price trend at the wholesale level, while Taiwan did not register any price changes. Both markets have had active sales of better quality cherries than in previous weeks.

Peaches/Nectarines

In North America, peach prices are stabilising in the U.S. while nectarine prices have shown a slight downward tendency. In Mexico,  both species had price adjustments this week. In Europe and the U.K. peach and nectarine import prices remain stable as the shipping supply from Chile and Argentina begins to rise significantly. In South America, the Brazilian market has kept more active sales rates, while in Colombia nectarine sales have been slow, recording price adjustments. In Asia, volumes of Southern Hemisphere nectarines remain low and are almost exclusively from Australia. Chilean peaches and nectarines will enter the markets of China, Taiwan and Hong Kong next week.

Pears

In North America, lower pear production in the U.S. has favored market activity and generated a high price level for all varieties, while Mexico has witnessed an active sales pace. In Europe and Russia, there has been a lower availability of European pears while sales of the Abate Fetel variety have been quiet due to elevated prices.

Plums

In North America, the supply of Chilean plums has reached sufficient volumes in the U.S. to stabilise retail prices, as Mexico continues to record healthy sales activity. In Europe and the U.K., there has been a low rotation of South African plums due to a high proportion of fruits of small size. In South America, Brazil has maintained a low level of supply which helps for a stable market this week, similar to what happened  in Colombia with Chilean plums. In Asia, lower availability of Southern Hemisphere grapes has allowed for flexible wholesale prices and sales in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

Table Grapes

In North America, the limited supply of seedless Red Globe and black grapes has kept prices high in the U.S., as Canada has received moderate volumes of Southern Hemisphere shipments. In Mexico the market awaits the start of the Chilean Red Globe season next week. In Europe and the U.K. the market still shows low supply levels of seedless white grapes, with South Africa as the main provider. In South America, Brazil’s supply remains low and has seen active sales of Peruvian Red Globe and Imperial S. Argentina grapes, as Argentina begins its campaign with significant volumes this week. In Colombia the market is proving stable, dominated by Red Globe Peruvian grapes. In Asia, upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations have generated high demand, while low volumes of Southern Hemisphere grape arrivals have sparked record prices this week.

Source: iQonsulting/www.freshfruitportal.com