"The sale of South African stone fruit went well in November and December." This according to Joep Jongmans, product manager stone fruit Capespan Continent, he mentions that various shipments were delayed in December with the result that less volumes were available for the Christmas selling period, especially peaches and plums. "These shipments have now arrived and good volumes of South African stone fruit at adjusted prices are now available."
"Since there is sufficient supply especially of apricots and nectarines, we notice that the market is changing with other prices as a result." The demand for stone fruit after the holidays is also different. "But apricots and nectarines from South Africa are of good quality and are exceptionally tasty this season and sales are going well."
The peaches, of which normal volumes were available this season, are just about over. Contrary to the large apricot and nectarine production in South Africa there are somewhat less plums this season. "We expect for these a good market till the end of the season in April."
Capespan follows the South African stone fruit season with Chilean stone fruit. "The first supply is on its way and will arrive in the middle of January." Weather conditions in Chile were first class, because of which the first packed fruit is also first class according to the importer. "Especially the nectarines are very good, but we import a premium product, which we will market under a new Chile-Capespan label in the coming season. After nectarines and plums from Chile peaches and nectarines from Egypt follow. In this way Capespan Continent is not only still market leader for importing, but also one of the largest importers in Europe of Chilean stone fruit. And with Egyptian peaches and nectarines a specialist as well in the import and marketing of stone fruit from the southern hemisphere with a supply and selling period from the end of October till June.
Important destinations for Capespan's stone fruit are at the moment Germany, France and Austria. "But also in Belgium our nectarines and plums are selling well this season and the CAPE quality is appreciated."