European demand for coconuts from Côte d'Ivoire has been low over the past month, but this has been offset by strong demand in West African markets, according to Nestor Beugre, CEO of Ivoire Agri.
The grower says, "As every year, we had a busy period from May to July, punctuated by many shipments to Russia and the European Union. At Ivoire Agri, we have exported a lot to Russia, Italy, and the Netherlands. Demand then drops in August, and probably in September as well. And as every year, we expect a boost in exports from October until the end of the year."
© Ivoire
Beugre continues, "Currently, despite the slow period, the Dutch market continues to show strong demand for Ivoirian coconuts. However, strangely enough, this demand is not reflected in prices, which are down by nearly 10% compared to the same period last season. The prices that growers are obtaining from buyers in the region are even higher than those for exports to the Dutch market."
According to the grower, buyers from several neighboring countries come to source coconuts in Côte d'Ivoire and offer attractive prices to growers, even higher than those offered by exporters to the European Union. He adds, "This creates fierce competition for sourcing coconuts. As a result, large volumes are shipped to Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso."
"We hope to be able to supply other European markets directly, especially the Nordic countries, which are very interested in coconuts," Beugre adds.
A large proportion of coconuts are destined for the processing industry, whether in West Africa or Europe, according to the grower. He concludes, "Demand is particularly strong for sizes A and B and for hybrid and GOA varieties."
For more information:
Nestor Beugre
Ivoire Agri
Tel: +225 (0) 7079 41319
Email: [email protected]
