The average price of lychees from Madagascar on the European market is slowly closing in on €2/kilo. Like last season, prices are expected to continue to decrease over the next few weeks.
Malagasy lychees arrive in France on “lychee boats” and fetch €2-€2.10/kilo. Meanwhile, South African lychees- the direct competition-reach €3-€4/kilo.
According to a letter from the Toamasina Horticultural Technical Centre, “The first week of January is commercially bleak following the euphoria of the end of year festivities”. In any case, commercialisation of the first shipments, and in-store offers over the next few weeks should keep up sales. The Centre confirms that “This last phase risks being more competitive due to an increased offer from South Africa who are beginning their lychee boat season”.