The lychee harvest in Madagascar looks much more promising this year, following a 60% drop in production in 2024 due to the effects of climate change.
Volumes are forecast to increase in most production areas, which should lead to a drop in the purchase price at collection stations, estimated at around 1,800 ariary/kg [0.4 USD/kg], compared with 5,000 ariary/kg [1.11 USD/kg] during the previous season marked by a shortage.
The local market should be well supplied this year, while exporters, who are sometimes experiencing cash flow problems, are expecting pressure on export prices. The sector, supporting around 500,000 households, remains a strategic one for Madagascar, the world's leading exporter of lychees with 17,000 to 20,000 tons exported every year, well ahead of South Africa (2,000 tons).
Faced with a saturated European market and the limited capacity of traditional destinations (Dubai, Russia, Mayotte), players of the sector are looking to diversify their outlets towards Asia and the United States, while working on sulphur-free treatment processes.
Finally, the Lychee Exporters' Group (GEL) has suspended the Sodiat group for this season, due to a court case involving its director. Its 10% export quota has been reallocated to other members of the group.
Source: midi-madagasikara.mg
