French importer Georges Helfer is anticipating the first arrivals of South African grapefruit in week 19/20. Packing will start in week 15/16, with the first shipments setting sail in week 17.According to Olivier Fakhri, sizing is good with plenty of 40s and 45s which are what the French consumer likes. "Quality is great and volumes are up 15% on last season at around 12.3 million cartons." This volume is actually normal as in 2012 volumes were low.
Brix levels in orchards are between 8.5 and 10.5, Olivier explains that it still early days but the fruit is so far looking very good. He also says that his suppliers are not too concerned about problems with Citrus Black Spot as they are doing everything possible to combat it.
The market on which the grapefruit will arrive is not certain though, as there are still big volumes of Florida grapefruit in Europe and prices remain firm so the fruit is not selling quickly. The last arrivals from Florida will be in weeks 15-16 and the market will need a gap of 2-3 weeks to clear before South African arrivals start.
Florida grapefruit is renowned for being the best in the world due its sweet juicy taste, but it must be remembered that this is old season fruit. Olivier is confident that the fresh South African grapefruit will sell well, but it is a case of wait and see.
More of the South African grapefruit is now going to Japan and China where demand and prices are good and there are no threats of an import ban for CBS. The increase in export to the Far East follows a couple of years of poor European sales.
90% of the grapefruit imported by George Helfer will stay in France, with the other 10% heading to Switzerland and Scandinavia.
For more information:
Olivier Fakhri
Georges Helfer
Tel: +33 145 12 36 60
Mob: +33 612 44 08 77
Email: olivier.fakhri@helferfrance.fr