The demand for citrus seemed endless in the spring and summer. And the demand for overseas citrus reached an unprecedented level. That demand has now disappeared entirely. That's according to Jan van der Voort of Anaco & Greeve, in the Netherlands. He calls the Moroccan mandarin season difficult.
These are scheduled to arrive in the Netherlands next week.
"The Moroccan Clementine season started two to three weeks earlier than usual. So, it will end a few weeks early too. Fortunately, we still have shipments arriving in the coming weeks. The demand is very moderate at the moment. Citrus fruit from Italy and Greece is currently being offered cheaply, alongside the Moroccan products. That's in countries outside the Netherlands. That's putting pressure on the market."
"Prices are between €7,50 and €9,00 for mandarins from Agadir and Beni Mellal. And those from Berkane are going for between €8,50 and €11,50," says Jan. "It's also a very normal season, quality-wise. The water shortage and hot summer took their toll on Morocco's citrus, as was the case last year. Clementines are having a particularly hard time."
"In January, we'll follow the Moroccan season up with varieties like Nour and Nadorcott. Those volumes are slightly smaller than last year. Hopefully, that will lead to an upturn," concludes the importer. Anaco Greeve sells most of its Moroccan citrus to European wholesalers.
For more information:
Jan van der Voort
Anaco Greeve
666 ABC Westland
2685 DH, Poeldijk, NL
Tel.: +31 (0) 174 210 200
Email: jan@anacogreeve.nl
Website: www.anacogreeve.nl