The mango market is a bit more difficult this week. “Large stocks have been acquired in some places. Peru shipped more than expected, and as a result prices have become a bit more pressured,” says Marcel van Rooijen of Torres Tropical Fresh from Barendrecht, the Netherlands. Yet he is facing the coming weeks with confidence. “At the end of the week, it’s expected the scheduled promotions for Peruvian mangoes will empty the market considerably. We’re currently having prices of 4-4.50 euro per box, but I hope we’ll be at a level of 6 euro in two weeks.”
Demand isn’t great at the moment, and prices aren’t great either, but it’s just enough to cover costs. That characterises the general tendency on the market. Everything is now mostly about Peru, and Brazil is gradually starting its second season with Tommy Atkins and Palmer. However, because Brazil is in its rainy season, there’s always a threat of downpours during this period. Ivory Coast won’t arrive on the market until April, and the Peruvian season will then mostly be over,” the importer continues.
Although planting of so-called Indian varieties Alphonso / Nam Dok Mai mangoes is increasing considerably globally, Marcel says the question is whether these will be in high demand on the European market. “These mangoes are a bit smaller in size, don’t have much colour, but are very flavourful. They sell quite well in the UK, because large Indian communities live there, but they’re more difficult to market elsewhere in Europe.”
Melons
The melon market is currently also developing well. “The watermelon market in particular is classified as on fire. We’re out of stock and there are shortages. Brazil is at the end of its season, and due to delayed arrivals from Panama and Costa Rica, only limited volumes are now on the market. This is resulting in good prices, and I don’t see why this would change in coming weeks,” Marcel says.
For more information:
Marcel van Rooijen
Torres Tropical Fresh
Tel: +31(0) 85 88 86 247
marcel@torrestropical.com
www.torrestropical.com