The volumes of overseas top fruit for the European market have declined significantly over the years. "Producers don't send produce anymore just because they like you, you have to make permanent agreements on prices and programmes, because Europe isn't in first place anymore. For years, people have been working on getting more diversity in sales. One example are the South African Forelle pears, which are now shipped a lot more to the Far and Middle East," says Randolf Aaldijk of Origin Fruit Direct. "Granny Smith is still getting shipped, but the volume of coloured pears is growing less and less."
The volumes of citrus and grapes for the European market are less under pressure. "We don't import a lot of European citrus ourselves, but sales of Egyptian produce are going well. There are a number of challenges though, because Russia and Ukraine used to be the biggest markets for Egypt. I had expected the boycott to result in increased export from Egypt to Russia, but what you're actually seeing is more product coming to Europe."
Following a very difficult grape market in January, that market has now bounced back. "We're at the tail of the South Africa season with white, blue and red seedless grapes. From Chile, the bulk of Crimson grapes is still to come, and Peru is also still going. In addition, India is on the market with white grapes. Good prices are received for nearly all varieties, as long as the quality is good, because those differences are big. All in all, the market for grapes is definitely not bad."
For more information:
Origin Fruit Direct
Keilestraat 9c
3029 BP Rotterdam
Tel.: +31(0)10 244 93 00
Fax: +31(0)10 478 39 66
randolf@originfruitdirect.nl
www.originfruitdirect.nl