"Heavy rains and storms started at the beginning of August in Mexico with the arrival of tropical storm Earl which has been very severe, causing landslides and also some deaths in the area," according to Mark Stuart, Head of Sales and Marketing at Jacana Produce in England. "Another storm has just arrived in the Veracruz and Martinez de la Torre area which is where the majority of our Limes are produced. Unfortunately this looks set to continue through the week. Throughout this period there will be a mixture of sun and rain, the worst thing that can happen, as the fruit will be harvested but in some cases the rot and oleocelosis that develops due to the heavy rains will not be evident at the time of harvest but has the potential to continue to develop in transit."
Packout rates have been low, meaning less fruit is being packed, and with increased demand in the US even less product is being shipped to Europe according to Mark.
"In week 32 a total of just 88 containers where shipped from both Brazil and Mexico destined for Europe, in comparison to the peak this year, week 24, where 204 containers shipped. This is obviously a huge difference in volumes and as a result prices will have to increase over the next few weeks with the markets already showing signs of strengthening," stated Mark.
For more information:
Mark Stuart
Jacana Produce Ltd
Tel: +44 1386 76 00 80
Email: mark.stuart@jacanaproduce.com
www.jacanaproduce.com