EU: Low pomelo prices due to large volumes

The pomelo season is in a dip at the moment. "It's usually noticeable in November and December, but this time it's in January", says Ralph van der Caaij, Citrus World, the Netherlands. "The prices are low because there's a lot of volume on the market, which has been set outside of the sales programmes."

"To begin with we let the pomelos come in carefully because of the MRL and the lesser availability due to the local climate conditions. This resulted in good prices as a result of a better demand/supply ratio. As a reaction to that some importers had containers from Chinese importers and now the prices are under pressure." According to the trader there was most certainly distressed sales this week. "A box of pomelos was sold for 6 Euro. That's a huge difference from the huge prices in December."

Ralph indicates that the season is coming to a close. "This can be seen in the average quality." But there are enough pomelos on the market for now. "We will still receive large amounts in the next few weeks. But there is a big difference in the various available lots." But the importer thinks it's a shame that he no longer receives fresh arrivals from Northern China. "We were planning to have them arrive, but we didn't because of the MRL's. It would have been good for later on, when the volumes go down and the prices go up."

In July, Citrus World will start importing pomelos from Vietnam again, to extend the season. "This is when the supermarkets are eager again. It then usually concerns small amounts." According to Ralph the pomelo consumption in Holland could go up. "Consumers just have to be convinced of the good taste and high brix. But we do notice that supermarkets are still wary about putting it in their assortment."

For more information:
Citrus World
ABC Westland 329
2685 DD Poeldijk
Tel: +31 (0)174 21 44 45
Fax: +31 (0)174 21 44 49
[email protected]
www.citrusworld.nl