Supplies to the Belgian mango market have been sluggish lately. "Senegal had a very disappointing season. The last shipment was of poor quality, and that season ended much earlier than expected. Some are coming in from Israel, but mangoes will be scarce in the next few weeks," says Ive Lambert of Starfruit.
"Spain is about to start, but their yields are significantly lower with lots of small fruit, thanks to drought issues. In Belgium, we work mainly with the Kent variety, and until Brazil gets started, very few of those will be available."
So, for now, the company will work with Israeli mangoes. "However, that's quite a small crop. They have good inner quality, but because Israel's climate isn't entirely suitable for Kent mangoes, their peel often remains greenish. The fruit doesn't color as well on the outside. Also, many are flown in, where the best-colored ones are selected. As a result, that which is left for sea freight is even greener. They have great quality but look less attractive to people, so they're less likely to buy them. The eye wants something, too," Ive explains.
On the demand side, exotics are not selling up a storm yet, he says. "People returning from vacation have a slight impact, but it's still not wild. Nonetheless, the terrible weeks appear to be over, and the market's rebounding somewhat."
"Prices remain fairly good, despite the current limited market volumes. That's mainly because there some Keitt and Tommy are available from Brazil. Belgium, however, mostly wants Kent. We work a bit with varieties like Tommy, but only when there's minimal Kent available."
Bean and snow pea market situation varies
The Kenyan bean shortage is well over now. "Until week 31, beans were in very short supply. It was the worst period in 25 years. But, from week 32, production returned to normal. The roughly six-week shortages are over. A snow pea shortage has, however, developed. We're fortunate that there's supply from Zimbabwe and Peru too. There are a few more countries to import from, so the problems can be absorbed a bit easier than with the beans," Ive concludes.
For more information:
Ive Lambert
Starfruit
112 Werkhuizenkaai
Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 224 20 876
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.groupadw.be/starfruit
