"Demand for coconuts from Southern Europe increases"

The coconut trade is a reasonably stable market in which price and sales do not change quickly. This according to Hans van der Kooij of JokoFruit/Impex, The Netherlands. "At the beginning of the year there was a not so good period, but now we notice that demand increases somewhat. Normally this happens round this time of the year, when the weather becomes a little warmer." The trader mentions that there will only be substantial changes when shocking things happen. "Just like last year when an export stop from Sri Lanka occurred. Then the market was difficult." Demand at the moment is mainly from Southern European countries, such as Italy. "Quite some volumes are going to this country at the moment. Also Germany is an important customer."

The trader mentions that at the moment they offer coconuts from Sri Lanka and Ivory Coast. "The difference is that Sri Lanka mainly export larger sizes and with Ivory Coast quality is more important. The nuts are also smaller there as well. There is also quite a difference in price between the two countries. "From Ivory Coast we receive bales with 50 nuts and these are between 10/11 euro. Sri Lanka supply bales with 40 nuts for about 18 euro."

According to Hans more suppliers of coconuts have been added in the Netherlands over the last few years. "Originally this often went past us, but it is a rather open market and some of them get their own containers. We do not notice much competition. We have our own customers, who will not just leave us. They are very happy about our service."

In addition to coconuts JokoFruit/Impex also import grapes, apples and pears from South Africa and Chile. "We also offer other fruit varieties, such as pineapple and grapefruit, but we do not import these ourselves."

For more information:
JokoFruit/Impex
Hans van der Kooij
7a, Marconistraat
3029 AE Rotterdam
Tel. 010 476 11 66
www.jokofruit.nl