Import Madagascar lychees exclusive to Dole and Univeg

The import of lychees from Madagascar has since last year been in the hands of Univeg (Katopé) and Dole Paris. These importers accept only the new conditions of the export federation GEL. For Nico Schaft from 888 Fruit Company this meant an end to the import of Madagascar lychees. "Univeg and Dole registered the highest price and thus have negotiated exclusivity. Mutually the prices of Madagascar lychees are determined. Nobody talks about it, because what are two boats of lychees on the overall European fruit market!"

Nico Schaft (right) at Fruit Attraction

For Nico therefore the import of lychees is from South African, which starts around the same time, but nowhere near the volumes of Madagascar supplies. "The air freight is cheaper, but in the period before Christmas is the local market in South Africa is much stronger than in Madagascar," says Nico. He expects the first air freight lychees from South Africa in about a month and the first boat just before Christmas. There will also be litchis from Mauritius from the second week of November, but there are good prices locally because the hotels."