The European market is presenting solid conditions for Southern Hemisphere citrus suppliers this season due to strong demand for oranges and a reduced offer (of smaller sizes especially), according to data from SimFRUIT.
So far this season average prices in Europe for various citrus varieties from a number of sources are around 30 per cent higher than in 2008/09, indicated the Chilean market intelligence system.
In week 29, SimFRUIT estimates that more than 30,000 tonnes of oranges from the Southern Hemisphere (South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay and Peru) have arrived in Europe (excluding Russia), causing a surplus of 51 per cent in the Continent and the UK this season.
During the same week, volume in Russia alone reached 1,484 tonnes, mainly from Argentina.
However, the market also recorded an accumulated surplus of 38 per cent of Southern Hemisphere oranges.
SimFRUIT expects this volume to increase further with the resurgence of South African exports, meaning stocks could reach 10,346 tonnes next week (30).
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