Spanish fruit company Nufri has signaled strong expectations for pome fruit in the upcoming import deal due to a short Northern Hemisphere season and good demand in Europe. 

Commercial director Jacky Feniello told www.freshfruitportal.com that 2012-13 was a complicated season for growers in Italy, France and Spain, while the season was short in Washington State as well.

"We have had a fresh market with a good reception but not enough product, leading to an increase in prices over the months," he said.

"Taking this situation into account, the expectation is high in general for the exporting countries of Argentina, Chile, South Africa and New Zealand.

"With these high prices I've spoken about, many European operators have preferred to not hold or hold a lot less than in other seasons because of the economic situation."

He said holding large inventories was more of a bet for traders experiencing tough times, but many wholesalers were asking for higher volumes.

"The curious thing is that despite this issue of price and the crisis, we have a level of consumption that is very similar to last year. People haven't stopped consuming.

"It's a good sign. We have to see how the start of the stonefruit season goes, particularly apricots and nectarines, to see how supply affects where prices go.

"From now we have to see if the market can really support these price levels we've had up until now."

He said his company had so far imported pears from Argentina and South Africa, while it received its first Chilean apples over the weekend.

Feniello also highlighted the market would be affected by a delay in apples from Chile due to port strikes.

Photo: Nufri

www.freshfruitportal.com