Olympic Fruit have been receiving mandarins from South Africa for a few weeks. "The season has run well from the start. There is a small set-back now, because sales to Russia stagnate somewhat, but sales to supermarkets keep a good balance in the market," Jan Rozema says. The price of a 10 kilogram carton is 10 Euro at the moment for small sizes and Euro 13 for the larger ones. "This year there is more pressure on the small sizes. The first late varieties such as Nadercott and Clemen-gold are expected sometime in week 32, therefore we must spread the season well."
Everseason Clementines
"South Africa export more and more citrus direct to amongst others Russia, The Far and the Middle East. Countries in the Far East and the United States normally pay a higher price and therefore receive superior trade in return. We also receive good trade, but it is expected that we can guarantee the same prices as the Middle East and Russia, with which South Africa work on the basis of fixed prices," Jan says.
Argentinian lemons
Frost in Argentina has caused a lot of problems for the production of mandarins and oranges and therefore Anthon van Doorn, responsible for the import of Argentinian and Peruvian citrus expect that the present prices of mandarins will keep for a while. "On Wednesday we will receive the first Salustiana's, but the demand for juice oranges is good. Also the price of the Moroccan oranges increases, because many areas are finished and also the drought has a bad influence." Olympic Fruit have a supply of Maroc Lates from the area Beni Mellal of hallmark Mellalia till August. The first Valencias from South Africa are expected next week.
Grapefruit is at the moment only available from South Africa. "There is less grapefruit and the sizes are small. The price of grapefruit is between 10 and 12 Euro. The coarse sizes this season are only available in limited quantities and the season will also end sooner. Only at the end of August will there be some grapefruit from Mexico on the market," Jan says. "The sales of Navels are going reasonably well. In certain areas the sizes are a bit small, but the availability is good. We expect a good program of mineolas from Peru during the coming weeks."
Peruvian mineola's
All in all the importer is rather positive about the continuation of the season. "One of the pillars of Olympic Fruit is citrus and we will receive of good parcel of citrus to be divided this season with supply from Argentina, Peru and South Africa, which we pack under our own control."
Olympic Fruit
Jan Rozema
Tel: 0031 180-646207
[email protected]
www.olympicfruit.com