“The mango season in the Spanish region of Malaga is nearing its end. This means supplies are dwindling. However, there is still a very high demand for mangos. Prices are, therefore, stable, albeit on the high side," says Jan Vermeiren. He is from the Belgian import company, Exofi Fresh Market.
“Where the real shortage is, is with flown-in Kent mangos. The Brazilian Kent season was delayed. This delay has caused shortages in the Belgian market. There are enough Keith and Palmer mangos. But these varieties are favorites in Spain and France. Belgians prefer the Kent."
Avocado prices have shot up
There are currently shortages on the avocado market too. This situation is true for both Hass and greenskin avocados. “These shortages make it challenging to supply all the ready-to-eat programs. These shortages mean prices for Hass avocados are at around €22. That is four to five euros more expensive than usual."
"The greenskins are at the €11 level, also much higher than normal. The production countries' lower yields caused these shortages. Mexico harvested at least 20% fewer avocados than last year," says Vermeiren.
“Still a high demand for Turkish figs”
“The Turkish fig season has also run its course. We are very pleased with how the season went. Prices were much better than last year. Even now that the season is over, there is still a lot of demand for Turkish figs. From this week, we have no more of these to offer. We have switched to the product from Peru."
"Peruvian figs are, however, quite a lot more expensive than their Turkish counterparts. Sales have, therefore, decreased. We will not only have figs from Peru. In mid-November, we will start with this product from Brazil, too," the importer adds.
Wild mushrooms, haricot verts, and sweet potatoes
It is getting colder. Wild mushrooms are, therefore, very popular at the moment. "There are currently on offer everywhere in the gastronomical world. The demand is very high. Supplies are, however, still slightly delayed. As a result, prices are considerably higher than last year."
“We have haricot verts too. We do fixed volumes of these throughout the year. Prices are, therefore, the same right through the year. We get our sweet potatoes from Spain. These sell for roughly €1 to €1,10 per kg," Jan explains.
French kiwis
“We will have French kiwis available on 14 November again. They are currently busy harvesting yellow kiwis in that country. The green ones are expected in a week or two. There are already Greek and Italian kiwis on the market. French kiwis are, however, only picked when their Brix level reaches about nine percent."
"It has been a normal growing season. About 55,000 tons of French kiwis are, therefore, expected this year. That is slightly less than average. As a result, we are expecting the same good prices as last year. We are hoping for as good as a season as last year," concludes Jan.
For more information:
Jan Vermeiren
Exofi Fresh Market
112 Werkhuizenkaai, mag.25-26
B-100 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 224 312 49
Tel: +32 (0) 475 860 980
info@exofi.be
www.exofi.be