The main fruit exports are top fruit and citrus to most of the Northern Hemisphere - Russia, Asian countries, The Middle East, Africa and the EU.
Swanson comments that the top fruit season has got off to a strong start. "There was virtually no carry-over of Royal Gala apples and this season prices are staring significantly higher than last year, with indications that New Zealand Royal Gala prices are up by around 20%, but the price is likely to stabilise in the next month or so." He also mentioned that stocks of European Pink Lady are likely to be low towards the end of April ahead of Southern Hemisphere arrivals so this variety should kick off to a good start as well.
The South African pear exports is are well underway, but the first Williams Bon Chretien harvesting commenced a week later than usual and were further delayed by worker's disputes which affected packing. Swanson says the European market for pears is strong with good prices across the board mostly as a result of low Conference stocks. Packhams Triumph currently have a strong position and first prices are as much as $ 1.50 per 12.5 Kg carton higher than last year. He expects that prices will come off a bit once greater volumes of Argentinian pears arrive in the markets.
For more information:
Archie Swanson
Migratus
Tel: +27 214180847
Mob: +27 788236825
Email: archie@migratus.net
www.migratus.net