"EU: "Far less mangoes on the market than last year"

The market for mangoes is quiet according to Ive Lambert of Starfruit, The Netherlands. "At the moment demand and prices are at a rather low level. This is the result of the extreme weather of the last few weeks. We noticed a decreasing demand and this was mainly caused by the decreasing day-market. Had it not been so cold then it would probably have been somewhat better."

According to the trader this is a combination of factors causing the market to be a little quieter. "At the moment there is less supply of 'mangoes by air' as there is a change from the Piura region to Casma because of the unexpected rainfall. In Casma preparations for this were not quite ready. "The importer mentions that there is quite a difference in appearance of the mangoes from the various areas. "The colour of the Casma mangoes is a darker red."

"The prices slowly decrease and we are at around 6 Euro. Nevertheless this is a lot better than last year. Far more volumes were on the market in the 2010/2011 season causing a lower price. We then it was about 4 to 4.50 Euro. But I expect prices to increase again within two to three weeks" he says. "This because there are less volumes this year. Last year in the peak periods 170 to 180 containers arrived and now this is 120 maximum.

For more information:
Ive Lambert
Starfruit Company
112-154, Werkhuizenkaai
Brussels - Belgium
Tel: + 32-022420876
Fax: + 32-022421208
www.star-fruit.eu