Market situation in the Northern Hemisphere, week 3 -- 2011

Apricot

In North America, the Chilean apricot season is over, with the last shipments arriving this week and final prices showing a slight increase.

Apples

In Europe, apple sales rates are calm, while in Russia, a favorable level of consumption remains. In North America, promotions and prices at the retail level favor sales of Red Delicious in the U.S. In Mexico, the imported apple market remains active. In Asia, the supply from the U.S. is dominant. The supply of Royal Gala and Red Delicious is growing and active sales are reported in the main markets in the region.

In Latin America, the market in Brazil remains stable and still has apples from the 2010 season. In Colombia, apple sales remain moderate, but sufficient with respect to the available supply.

Avocado

In North America the smaller volume and active sales rate created a new high in prices in the U.S., while in Mexico, less market activity led to a price drop. In Europe and the United Kingdom, the Chilean supply remains limited. Hass avocado from Spain with better quality pushed prices up.

In Latin America, sales of imported avocado in Argentina have remained steady. Chile maintains a strong internal market and a lower supply available for export.

Blueberries

In North America, there was a slight increase in prices in the U.S., while in Canada, the market continues to be pressured by the big Chilean supply. In Europe and the U.K., the arrival of good quality fruit contributed positively to sales. In the Netherlands, higher prices were reported. In Asia, Chile remains the only provider of blueberries from the Southern Hemisphere. Prices in Hong Kong/China were at high levels for fruit of the highest quality.

Cherries

In North America, the low Chilean supply and moderate sales pace is generating stable prices in the U.S. In Brazil limited supply favors higher prices, while in Colombia, the sensitive condition of the last lots from Chile has generated price decreases. In Europe and the U.K., a large proportion of fruit with quality and condition problems has negatively affect sales and prices. In Asia, bigger supplies and active sales in the main markets in the region were reported. Arrivals by ship from Chile pushed prices down in Hong Kong/China and Taiwan.

Peaches/Nectarines

In North America, the volume and sales pace affected the prices of peaches and nectarines in the U.S. In Mexico, the short shelf life of peaches led to a drop in price, while nectarines showed no changes. In Europe and the U.K., the market for peaches and nectarines continues showing low sales rates and a large proportion of fruit from South Africa has condition problems.

In Asia, Hong Kong/China reports active sales and higher prices for the moderate supply of Australian nectarines. Chile resumes its supply arriving by ship to Asia starting this weekend. In Latin America, the market in Brazil has managed to remain stable despite the heavy rain that has affected the country, and Colombia did not have sales changes this week.

Pears

In Europe and Russia, sales of European pears are stable. Importers are preparing to receive the first shipments of pears from South Africa and Argentina. In North America, the market did not present big changes with respect to week 2 in the U.S., while in Mexico, there was a slight increase in price for imported D’Anjou. In Latin America, Brazil and Colombia still have pears from the 2010 season. The market situation in both countries is considered normal.

Plums

In North America, prices showed no change in the U.S., while in Mexico they were lower. In Europe and the U.K., low sales continued, reporting a slight price reduction for small fruit. In Asia, the Southern Hemisphere plum supply maintains limited volume and sales. The Hong Kong/China market shows higher prices for the lower supply from Australia. In Latin America, the market for plums remained stable in Brazil and Colombia. An increase in supply in the next few days forecasts lower prices in the next week.

Table Grapes

In Asia, the main markets report brisk sales activity as Chinese New Year approaches. In Hong Kong/China, there were new high prices for the Red Globe from California, while the supply from Peru showed some quality problems. In Europe and the U.K., a lower supply of white seedless keeps prices high. An increase in volume is expected in the next few days.

In North America, black seedless grapes and imported Red Globe maintain active market movement in the U.S. In Mexico, the first lots of Chilean Red Globe appeared this week and the opening prices reached higher values than last season. In Canada, the supply from the Southern Hemisphere remains limited, maintaining an active sales pace. In South America, Brazil and Colombia report low volumes of imported grapes, allowing price stability and sales continuity.

Source: iQonsulting/www.freshfruitportal.com