Volume of limes from Brazil halved

The price of limes is increasing because the exported volumes to Europe have decreased to 100 containers per week. There might be fewer containers from Mexico, but the volumes from Brazil have almost halved. “We do not know how fast the prices will increase and at what level they will be, but they will rise,” says Ive Lambert of Starfruit. “Last week, there were 37 containers from Brazil and during the coming weeks it will not be much more. Usually, Brazil exports almost double that amount of containers. You just know that the market will skyrocket.”

101 containers arrived in Europe in week 34 (transport started in week 31), of which 37 came from Brazil and 64 from Mexico. This was respectively 67 and 71 containers in 2015. This means that, this year, there were 37 containers less than in 2015.

The price peaked at 16 to 17 euros this year. He stated that the prices are presently between 7 and 8 euros. “We will just have to wait to see how the price develops, which depends on the weather conditions during the coming weeks and the development of the demand. Of course, June has now passed and the prices will be lower in September. Nevertheless, you never know until it happens. I estimate that the prices will be around the 8 or 9 euros this week.”

Lower quality

Mexico usually supplies crates weighing 4 kilo and Brazil of 4.5 kilo. “Brazil definitely supplied fewer products this season. This has to do with the bad weather conditions over there.” The quality has also suffered for the same reasons. “Brazil is qualitatively moderate and has lightly coloured limes. Even Mexico has had lower quality products this season, due to heavy rainfall in the past few weeks. The better brands definitely stand out, but most Mexican products on the market are of moderate quality. The beautifully deep green coloured limes that Mexico usually supplies are now a lighter shade of green. The Mexican limes are still of a more beautiful green than the Brazilian.

Necessary higher prices

Higher prices might be necessary for exporters and importers this season, according to Ive. “It might give a distorted picture. Many people think that they will make some extra money, but they have had three moderate or bad years. There should be an extra year in which the prices are noticeably better. Exporters still have the seasonal fixed costs, even though they transport less. If they send fewer products, it is logical that they should expect a better price.”

For more information:

Ive Lambert
Starfruit Company NV
Brussels - Belgium
Direct BRU: 0032 2 240 11 37
Direct SKW: 0032 15 30 64 37
www.starfruit.be