It's always calmer in the land of exotics from mid June to mid August. "There are masses of summer fruit on the market and people are less quick to go for exotics. Yet we still offer mangos all year round and they always have a spot in the supermarket. The prices are even good, as the demand is constant and the supply small. The import and wholesale prices are between 7 and 9 Euro, depending on the variety. The prices for RTE are soon towards 11, 12 Euro."
Drama in melons
He indicates that, on the other hand, the melon market is dramatic. "In that very warm period a few weeks ago they peaked, but the prices are now very low. This has to do with the fact that there is larger volume present now and the demand has dropped back due to the turn in the weather. A large volume and less sun are two factors that have a bad influence on the melon prices."
Bitterly little
The weather is warmer this week, so it's possible that the market will improve a little, according to Ive. "Yet it always takes a while for the market to tidy itself up. Here and there there are traders with melons sitting whilst new product arrives. This causes pressure on the market. It's not like the forecast is that we will have 30 degrees in two weeks, so we can't say whether it's going to get much better." Very low prices are being paid for Galia melons.
"We're talking 2 to 3 Euro per box max. They're even being sold for a Euro and a half each. If you add on transport and the box there is bitterly little left." According to Ive not everyone - both on the side of supply and import - takes what the market can handle into account. "The fact is that a market can turn over a certain volume with good weather, but demand and supply aren't always in tune. There are more and more parties who realise that it is more advantageous to do this. They send less volumes to Europe and see that they get better prices. It's actually very simple."
For more information:
Ive Lambert
Star Fruit Company NV / Van Dijk Foods Belgium
Brussels - Belgium
Tel Brussel: 0032 2 240 11 37
Tel SKW: 0032 15 30 64 37
www.groupadw.be
