Weeks N°: 47/09 - 48/09- 49/09- 50/09- 51/09- 52/09- 53/09- 01/10- 02/10- 03/10- 04/10- 05/10- 06/10- 08/10

LA LETTRE DU LITCHI - Semaine N° 49/09 - 30 novembre au 4 décembre 2009

French version

Price in Euros per kg - (b) : on stem/fresh ; (s) : +SO2 (Indicative and average price given by operators most representative of the industry for fruits of satisfactory quality)

SUMMARY OF ARRIVALS BY SEA
(In pallets)

GENERAL INFORMATION

The marketing of « air freighted » litchis continues with supplies that are now more stable. The demand is a little more active although mixed depending on the countries. The economic crisis has impacted on the market in a sense that consumers are more careful when it comes to spending. They prefer to wait for better opportunities (sea freighted litchis) before buying the fruit. This year, it appears that the demand might be more concentrated around the end of the year celebrations.
Approximately 12 000 tons of « sea freighted » litchis will be available on the market at the end of the year, compared to previous campaigns, these figures have declined. The late start of the campaign, as well as logistic issues resulting from this late start and the fact that operators all keep in mind the present economic context, contribute to explaining the drop in exports.
Considering theses elements, the marketing campaign should be rather satisfactory. However, the announcement of strikes organised by French truck drivers during the end of the year celebrations, could well disrupt the distribution of sea freighted litchis, calling into question the marketing of fruits from Madagascar, that was up to now rather under control.

Estimate of incoming volumes
(in tons) 

EUROPEAN MARKETS

Germany : No information this week.

Belgium : Prices are dropping like on the other European markets. Alignment of prices for litchis from Madagascar and South Africa. Sales seem to be more active this week. On the whole the quality of fruits available is deemed satisfactory by operators.

Spain : Slow sales for litchis from Madagascar, prices at retail level remaining high and thus less attractive in the present economic crisis context . Supermarkets are not very involved in the marketing of the fruit, and litchis are mostly available in specialised retail stores.

France :Slow sales for litchis from Madagascar, prices at retail level remaining high and thus less attractive in the present economic crisis context . Supermarkets are not very involved in the marketing of the fruit, and
litchis are mostly available in specialised retail stores.

Italy :Vey limited sales on the Italian market, considering the high level of prices at retail level. Litchis from Madagascar are sold on the basis of 5.00-6.00€/kg. Some small lots of South African fruits are also available sold 1€/kg cheaper.

Netherlands :Drop in prices for litchis from Madagascar following the increase of supplies and the limited demand for the fruit. Prices are similar to those done for litchis from South Africa.

United Kingdom :Litchis supplies are still very limited on the British market with fruits from South Africa being the ones most available on the market. Prices are on a down trend. Sales remain slow and difficult. Some lots are sold on the wholesale markets at cheaper prices ( 3.30€ to 4.90€/kg) depending on the size and the quality of fruits.

Exchange rates (December 2009) :

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