Market situation in the Northern Hemisphere, week 20 — 2011 (May 20)

Apples

In North America, high interest continued for Royal Gala apples, while moderate sales rates were observed for the Granny Smith variety. Volumes from Southern Hemisphere suppliers were too low to establish a market trend in Canada.

In Latin America, price adjustments were observed for Chilean Royal Gala apples in Mexico, while low interest in consumption led to price falls in Argentina. Problems with condition also led to price falls in Colombia, while Brazil's market remained stable despite reports of low activity.

On the European continent, Royal Gala markets continued to be slow while Red Delicious sales were positive. Problems with condition meant Chilean Granny Smith apples registered sales difficulties. Health activity was observed in the Russian apple market.

In the Middle East, imported apple markets were different in Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E., with better demand in the latter.

In Asia, demand continued in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland but consumers were sensitive to the quality and condition of the small levels of imported apples. Moderate sales activity continued in Taiwan with high volumes of the Fuji variety arriving from the Southern Hemisphere.

Avocado

In North America, Mexican supply was still dominant in the U.S. market with healthy sales activity observed, with price adjustments registered for size 48 avocadoes.

In Latin America, Chilean Hass imports were suspended due to high prices at origin. There were slight price decreases in Chile.

On the European continent and in the U.K., low Hass stocks led to an upward price trend.

Kiwifruit

In North America, the first arrivals of New Zealand kiwifruit were registered in the U.S.

In Latin America, Mexic0 observed price adjustments for Chilean supply, while higher volumes available in Colombia and Brazil led to price falls. Meanwhile, low sales in Argentina led businesses to push down prices in a bid to move stock.

On the European continent and in the U.K., the Italian kiwifruit season was nearing its end, while Chile has progressively increased its arrival volumes and New Zealand has increased its presence in the market. In Russia, the market was slow and put under pressure by high levels of Chilean stock.

In the Middle East, arrivals of Chilean Hayward kiwifruit was limited, while the last Italian lots were still being traded.

In Asia, Southern Hemisphere Hayward varieties had established themselves in the market, with New Zealand kiwifruit dominating the main markets of the region while Chilean supply complemented stocks with lower volumes and favorable feedback in terms of improved quality.

Mandarins

In North America, mandarin supply from the Southern Hemisphere remained limited and were insufficient to establish a market trend.

On the European continent, markets were slow due to low consumer interest in Satsumas, which progressed well in England.  In Russia, lower arrivals from Argentina led to a fall of inventory and more stability in the market.

The Southern Hemisphere mandarin season was slowly establishing itself in Asia, but New Zealand, Australian and South African supply was limited. South American suppliers have not yet reported arrivals in the region.

Pears

In North America, imported D'Anjou pears registered moderate sales activity in the U.S., while industry reported fair inventory rotation for the Packham's T variety.

In Latin America, a small-sized U.S. D'Anjou variety was limited in Mexico, leading to price increases. In Colombia, imported pear prices decreased due to problems with condition, while sales activity was slow in Brazil. Argentina registered stable activity that was supplied by local volumes.

In Northern Europe, trading was appropriate, for green and russet pear availability, while South African Forelle pears registered their arrival peak. The Russian market maintained healthy sales activity.

Table Grapes

In North America, Mexican seedless grape supply increased in the U.S., which could affect Chilean Crimson S variety prices.

In Latin America, sales activity was good for the imported Red Globe variety, registering price rises in Mexico. Problems with condition led to price falls for imported grapes in Colombia, while the first peak of Chilean grape imports was observed in Brazil. Low sales activity led to a depressed market in Argentina.

In Northern Europe and in the U.K., the Chilean white grape season was nearing its end with volumes showing a high proportion of condition problems. Russia registered good sales activity for the Red Globe variety. An earthquake in Turkey did not affect its new season's production, while the Southern Hemisphere grape season was nearing its end for that market oo.

In Asia, the Southern Hemisphere supply of red seeded and white seedless was dominant, with Australia complementing the market with the Crimson S variety and the South African season nearing its end. Price trends and sales activity were expected to depend almost exclusively on grape condition in this last stage of the season.

iQonsulting/ edited by www.freshfruitportal.com