Joep van Lierop, of De Groot International:
"The impact of Citrus Black Spot measures on importers is currently not very big"
Market Picture
"Regarding grapefruit, the largest volumes from South Africa have already been shipped. Prices have been under pressure in the first few weeks due to the large volumes available and because demand was not big enough. The market for lemons is good, among other reasons, because no large volumes have arrived from South Africa and also partly because of the Black Spot measures and the late arrival of Argentinian lemons," explains the importer. "Mandarin prices and demand have been under great pressure for a few weeks. Now the largest volumes of clementines have already been sold and within a few weeks the Nadorcott will enter the market. The orange market has almost completely moved now to South African produce, which registers good sales and stable prices."
When asked how important Europe is for South African producers, Joep answered that "Europe is important for South Africa, but it is not as if South Africa couldn’t go on without Europe, as it has plenty of alternative markets. The shipment of the entire volume to these areas, however, would put prices in those markets under pressure." According to the importer, South America would be an alternative in case no oranges and other citrus could be exported from South Africa to Europe. De Groot International also has access to citrus from Zimbabwe, so it is not fully dependent on South Africa and South America.
"In the coming weeks, all eyes in the citrus market will be on Black Spot, as the possible introduction of stricter measures would have a major impact on the market," concludes Joep.
For more information:
Joep van Lierop
De Groot International
T +31 (0) 73-599 88 04
E Joepvanlierop@degroot-int.nl
http://www.degroot-int.nl