export market for many Western European stone fruit suppliers has been affected by several factors this year. While lower supplies of fruit would normally mean higher prices, low demand throughout Europe have made for a stagnant market. Competition from suppliers with lower-priced fruit has also made this a difficult year for Western Europe's stone fruit exporters.
“Last year we exported 20,000 tons of Spanish and French stone fruit all over the world,” said Nathalie Casal, commercial manager for Distrimex (Avignon, France)l. “Exports represent 90 percent of our volumes”
“This year, for the moment, it's rather difficult to have a clear vision of what the campaign will be. The market has been difficult because of a shortage of fruit, essentially due to bad weather and Winter rains” said Casal. Compounding the difficult situation has been lagging demand throughout Europe. “The shortage of fruit involves higher prices and, as a consequence, a fall in demand.
Added pressure for exporters has come in the form of increasing competition from rival exporters. “There's more competition coming from countries like Turkey and Greece,” said Casal. “They have very aggressive prices, so the export of French stone fruit has become increasingly difficult.” But with the bulk of Distrimex's business coming from the export market, they are looking for additional markets that can take the pressure off their current situation in Europe.
Distrimex offer peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums through their Bel'fruit Bel'pom and Soleia brands.
“Our aim is to develop new markets and keep on offering professionalism, service and quality to our partners who have trusted us for several years. We are expanding our brand SOLEIA on import stone fruit”.
For more information:
Nathalie Casal
Distrimex
Tel: +33 4 90 13 6265/6274
n.casal@distrimex.fr
www.distrimex.fr