In Europe, Citrus demand is currently running smoothly. "Cold weather always boosts citrus consumption, and the high prices and shortages for many products means people want affordable wares," says Erik-Jan Thur of Marni Fruit in the Netherlands.
"Still, prices for, for instance, oranges are quite high. There are far fewer, especially large sizes, so their prices are good. We're receiving only limited volumes of oranges. Our Spanish suppliers can make much better prices in markets towards the East, like Dubai, and a lot is sold from the tree. We're supplementing those with Egyptian oranges, but even those, we're selling for €12 to €13 for the large ones and between €8.50 and €10 for the small sizes."
"Different-sized mandarins' prices also vary considerably. That's kind of the story this season. Nova, which I think is one of the last adequate varieties of the Spanish season, is selling particularly well at the moment. The large ones are going for €13-€14. But, go a few sizes smaller and you have to have customers," explains Erik-Jan.
"Our overseas clients only want the large sizes. We sell Tango leafless mandarins too. Those sales are going quite well, and there are many small sizes are in the market. That price varies between €10 and €11. You very quickly get rid of the large sizes, which fetch €12 to €14."
The Spanish lemon season, too, is nearing its end. "Quality and prices are both fine, but certainly not wild. You get €14-€15 for the standard class I," Erik-Jan concludes.
For more information:
Erik-Jan Thur
Marni Fruit BV
52 Gebroken Meeldijk
2991 VD, Barendrecht, NL
Email: ej@marnifruit.nl
Website: www.marnifruit.com