Tropical fruits such as mangoes, avocados and even papayas are now available in large quantities at the fruit market. Where the market for some exotics decreases rapidly after the holidays, this is by no means the case with papayas. The quantities availability as well as the papaya prices remain constant throughout, as several traders will confirm.
Stability & year round supply
During the Christmas period however, quantities were sometimes limited, because of limited airfreight space and an overtaxed logistical situation in Brazil. As a result, there were some shipments that did not have the required quality levels. But generally, the quality was alright and there were few shortages during the Christmas season. Availability have since then been restored.”
Concerning papayas, although there are different cultivation areas such as those in Peru, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and even Spain, most of the marketers still draw their products mainly from Brazil. In general, they will have papayas available almost all year round, with shortages sometimes occurring between August and November. In November it all starts again and from then there are enough papayas available. This goes on until June-July when another little crisis comes, depending on when winter hits Brazil. The popularity of tropical fruits remains the same. Brands that have not been very active in Europe, are slowly returning to this market and start to compete with the well-known brands again.