According to Rob Cullum from Pacific Produce, a major UK lime importer, demand has dropped again. "Prices were high which most likely affected demand. There has now been over supply, with Mexico sending a ridiculously high proportion of small fruit to Europe and the UK which flooded the markets. We are now seeing a change as the low market means that Mexico will send more to the US."
Rob with a picker
At the moment Brazil has a low production and a shorter shelf life so more volume will be kept for the domestic market. "This along with less from Mexico will reduce availability and so prices are beginning to increase again. The prices are now back around a normal level – what I would call in balance, a fair price for the grower and the consumer."
"Mexican limes are prone to stem end rot at this time in the season, this disease does not become apparent until it leaves the cool chain and this can happen on the retail shelf, as a result we only take from the very best grower, check it very carefully and move it quickly, but this is not the case for all importers and can cause issues for the final consumer. In this period we take limes from several sources to minimise risks, along with the traditional Brazilian and Mexican we also take from Guatemala and then pockets of production from Israel, Peru and Columbia.
Packhouse of Pacific Produce's Mexican supplier
September can be a difficult month, the weather is unpredictable. If its warm, demand will go up and then we could face a fast rising market. October and November will see consumption levels drop as per normal but this is in balance with lower supply.
Some are saying that the market will spike fast next week, but Rob does not see a drastic change, "There will be a staged increase and bigger fruit will command the higher prices and the smaller sizes following on. There will be a range of prices – anybody offering low money has a reason (quality). I am not pessimistic but I see levels now around €6.50 and maybe we will see another Euro or 2 on top – these are good prices but I don’t see the crazy €12 situation that can happen in the Summer as the consumption levels then are much higher. However it is very very easy to get lime predictions incorrect!”
For more information:
Robert Cullum
Pacific Produce
Tel: +44 (0) 1865877801
Email: rob@pacificproduce.co.uk
www.pacificproduce.co.uk