Lime prices have been increasing over the past few days however, as reported by Paolo Bernardi, an operator who works for a wholesaler at Caab Bologna (F.lli Cazzola), they were very low up to one week ago due to the excessive volumes available.
"Limes cost €6 per packet in early July (around €1.5/kg), while they reached €10 during week 27. Nonetheless, prices are still low with respect to production and logistic costs. According to the operator, demand will grow even more over the next few days as limes are very popular in tourist destinations, especially during the summer. Quantities from Brazil could either remain stable or drop, but Italian demand will definitely grow."
Archive photo (not related to the operator)
In Europe, most limes reach the port of Rotterdam after travelling 4 weeks on a ship. The most popular are those of a bright green color. When they remain in warehouses for too long, in fact, they tend to become yellow and depreciate.
Limes from Brazil arrive in 4.5 kg net weight declared packets. "Up until 7-8 years ago, it was unthinkable to find limes at the greengrocer's, while now they are rather common and can even be found in supermarkets. People are making an increasing use of lime and I believe they will become even more popular."
In more detail, around 90% of the limes that reach Italy disembark in Rotterdam. The price also depends on quantities available and on those expected in the short period. Limes are also subjected to weird speculations, because certain operators know the quantities that are to arrive in advance and can thus determine the price. The limes we find in Italy today left Brazil one month ago.