The market for Brazilian melons might have recovered somewhat compared to the difficult month of November, but importers are glad to be able to trade places. That is, they might not have losses, but they will not become rich from the trade in melons either. While last year can be considered lost, this year will be a doozy as well. Year after year, Brazil fools everyone by saying supply will be smaller because of drought, only for the supply to be abundant instead. But the melon supply from Costa Rica is rumoured to be delayed, which is why importers are hoping for decent prices at the tail-end of the season.
The grape market on the other end is doing very well, and prices are not bad. The majority of the grapes come from South Africa and Namibia - Peruvian volumes are slightly lower. Especially Red Globe grapes are experiencing a strong demand. White grapes are also selling well with price levels around 12-14 euro for packaged grapes. The market for pineapples was golden from January until August 2016. After a weak autumn, the pineapple market recovered. In December, the market was good with prices between 10 and 12 euro. By now the market has stabilised to a level between 8 and 9.50 euro.