Challenging
The product manager from overseas top fruit mentions that there is talk about a specific supply and demand situation. "Some exporters see a good market here; they see Europe as an exceptional opportunity. We have our fixed suppliers, but prices remain a challenge. Europe is and remains a commission market, but in this situation, fixed prices are sometimes impossible to do without and many are prepared to go with this at the moment.
The product manager from overseas top fruit mentions that there is talk about a specific supply and demand situation. "Some exporters see a good market here; they see Europe as an exceptional opportunity. We have our fixed suppliers, but prices remain a challenge. Europe is and remains a commission market, but in this situation, fixed prices are sometimes impossible to do without and many are prepared to go with this at the moment.
Europe cries out for apples at the moment, as its own production is almost finished. In order to get more apples here a change from fixed price markets in Europe is necessary. As far as price markets are concerned compared to last year the difference on average is plus 15% for pears and 20% for apples. We also monitor the export of various countries. We've seen that Chile (which is normally very dominant on the European apple market) is a lot lower than the last few years. Also the New Zealand and South African export decreased the last few years. Since the market is in top condition and the prices are high this year, it may be capable to recuperate partly."
Attractive
Stefanie mentions that the consumption here is comparable to other years. "People buy normally even with the higher prices as well. In any case enough for the present stocks. Also the local markets in the export countries are doing well. For instance South Africa: prices there are so high that exporting is not always an attractive option. Chile in addition to Europe also focus on North America and South America (fixed prices)."
To stretch as long as possible
"The season has started a little later for everybody. About week 3, the first pears came from South Africa and the first apples in week 9. After that came Chile and New Zealand. We will still receive apples and pears till the end of September, but expect a strong market for the last weeks. It is of course also a case of "wait and see" when the local harvest will be there again. For pears, that is the end of July. The early varieties are almost finished. It is now mainly Abate Fetel, Packham and Forelle. The first two will be finished by the end of July and then we only go with the flushed Forelle."
"The season has started a little later for everybody. About week 3, the first pears came from South Africa and the first apples in week 9. After that came Chile and New Zealand. We will still receive apples and pears till the end of September, but expect a strong market for the last weeks. It is of course also a case of "wait and see" when the local harvest will be there again. For pears, that is the end of July. The early varieties are almost finished. It is now mainly Abate Fetel, Packham and Forelle. The first two will be finished by the end of July and then we only go with the flushed Forelle."
For more information:
Stefanie De Puysseleir
Capespan Continent N.V.
Direct: +32 3 546 09 22
Fax: +32 3 546 09 09
www.capespan.com
Stefanie De Puysseleir
Capespan Continent N.V.
Direct: +32 3 546 09 22
Fax: +32 3 546 09 09
www.capespan.com
