"I believe there will be a shift in the ginger market between late January and early February. The first containers we are planning from China in early January, which will arrive in Europe after 30 days, cost 30 to 40% less," reports fine Giorgio Donnarumma, sales manager at Nuovafrutta. "From around USD 2,6000 a ton, the price has dropped to USD 1,800."
Brazilian ginger
"Chinese ginger will dominate the first months of the year and will be much cheaper. There is more willingness to purchase with the lower prices, as the risk is also lower. The produce has been very expensive so far, whether from Brazil or China, with low availabilities. A 13.5 kg crate of Brazilian ginger sells at around €45-50. The season is coming to an end and will restart in May. Quotations are similar for ginger from China."
Chinese ginger
The ethnic-exotic market is actually 'too' calm considering the time of year. "There is no rush to grab a specific product. The Christmas period is rather calm, as we expected. Things will be a bit more lively as we approach December 25th, but nothing compared with what happened in the past - I remember supermarkets were busy managing orders already on December 1st but, this year, the situation remained dead calm at least until December 10th."
Brazilian lime
"This happened in part due to the prices and the lower purchasing power, in part due to the weather conditions registered in the countries of origin. As there is no big rotation, arrivals are easily manageable. January is always a difficult month, as the situation is calm after the festive period. This time, however, a lot will depend on how 2023 will end: if the sales trend continues to be slow, the start of the new year might not be as disappointing."
Peruvian mangoes
Lime, mango and avocado
"The sales price of limes decreased a lot, we are talking about €6.00-6.50 depending on the grade. Very few produce has come in from Mexico over the last period and no large volumes are being shipped from Brazil. Quotations might improve in January. The same goes for mangoes imported via sea. It all depends on product availability."
Chilean avocadoes
"The sales of Hass avocados are regular and usually get more lively as Christmas approaches. Produce from Chile, Colombia, Morocco, Israel and Spain is currently available," concludes Donnarumma.
Photos provided by Giorgio Donnarumma