Last week, the first Urud’or Satsuma tangerines from Uruguay arrived at Jaguar. “Personally, I’ve been working with Urud’or for twenty years, the nine last of which with Jaguar. Uruguay is a relatively small player on the global citrus market, but it’s a large one to us,” says Eddy Jager. “We expect weekly shipments of the complete citrus package until mid-October.”
“We expect a regular harvest with normal sizes from Uruguay. That’s much more favourable for sales towards European retail than last year, when mostly small sizes were harvested,” Eddy says. “Considering South Africa’s tangerines are a bit smaller, Uruguayans are hoping to have an advantage. Prices started at a decent level, and we hope to retain this.”
Strict retail standards
“Urud’or is one of two large exporters in Uruguay. The relationship is more than just supplier. For example, we also give them technical guidance. The country is a small player, but tries to be distinctive in the field of sustainability and its MRL policy with citrus that meets the strictest of retail standards. That is a spearhead with which they join us to a great extent. In addition, the Uruguay citrus is known for its colour and taste. Due to the relatively large differences between day and night temperatures, Uruguay delivers a homogeneously coloured and tasty product,” the importer continues.
“We now have Satsumas, and we’ll switch to Clementines in May, after which we also receive ClemenVillas, Nadorcott and Ellendales during the season. Furthermore, we supply the entire range of oranges, from Navelinas, Navel Late, Lane Late, Salustianas and Valencias. Of course lemons from Urud’or are also one of the spearheads of our assortment this summer. Traditionally, many early tangerines are for the Scandinavian, British and Russian markets, and with the coloured tangerines, the Polish and German markets come into view, but we have customers throughout Europe,” Eddy explains.
Europe largest buyer
He doesn’t think export to Europe is pressured as a consequence of increasing export to other markets. “Europe has always been the largest buyer of citrus from Uruguay. They also supply to Brazil and the US, but to a lesser extent. For markets such as the Middle East, Uruguay doesn’t have the best logistical position. Uruguay will always need Europe, compared to, for instance, citrus growers in South Africa, who are much less dependent on trade flows to Europe.” For more information:
Eddy Jager
Jaguar, the Fresh Company
Tel: +31 (0)180 750 566
eddy.jager@jaguartfc.nl
www.jaguarthefreshcompany.com