208

February 2013 - No.

English edition

Close-up

PASSION FRUIT
http://passionfruit.cirad.fr

Counter-season melons:
broaden the field!

Citrus and exotics:

monthly reviews

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 Tissue culture producon of tropical fruit plants
Your banana ssue culture plant specialist

A unique
range
of elite
varieties

What we promise you

The most producve selected elite variees
Prime bunch quality
Opmum homogeneity in the eld
The best sanitary guarantees of the market
Unequalled responsiveness

Tel: +33 (0)4 67 55 34 58

Fax: +33 (0)4 67 55 23 05
vitropic@vitropic.fr

ZAE des Avants

34270 Saint Mathieu de Tréviers
FRANCE
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www.vitropic.fr
 A graduate agriculturalist and holder of a doctorate, this
CIRAD scientist will leave his name linked historically to the banana sector and,
more generally, the tropical and Mediterranean horticultural sectors. His research
on Black Sigatoka warning systems, harvest forecast models and fallow - tissue
culture plant farming systems made him the pioneer of the 'sustainable banana'
concept. Extremely hardworking, a demanding research scientist with strong con-
victions, a propounder of new ideas sometimes leading to controversy and a per-
son always concerned about considering scientific innovation as a driving force for
development, he gave fruits and vegetables new value and a noble position in diets
in both the North and the South. His projects were not limited to dessert bananas.
He became successfully involved in the founding and influence of CARBAP in
Cameroon, of GLOBALHORT and of the 'Food for Cities' network supported by the
FAO and the ISHS. He promoted at many international levels the 'product quality –
nutrition – health' threesome applied to fruit and vegetables, which has proved its
pertinence today. Jacky Ganry has left us too soon.

Jean-Pierre Gaillard

C ontents
Direct from the markets
Publisher
Cirad
TA B-26/PS4 p. 2 JANUARY 2013
34398 Montpellier cedex 5, France
Tel: 33 (0) 4 67 61 71 41 • Banana: Banana consumption: the EU marks time — The United States likes
Fax: 33 (0) 4 67 61 59 28 bananas more and more — Value chain in the banana sector — CMO banana—all
Email: odm@cirad.fr
http://passionfruit.cirad.fr
done.
Publishing Director • Avocado: Chile is a new market for Peruvian avocado — Partnership agreement
Hubert de Bon between Camposol and Agricom — Growth continues in Peru.
Editors-in-chief
Denis Loeillet and Eric Imbert • Exotics (pineapple, mango, litchi): US pineapple imports soon to reach a million
Editor
tonnes? — An honourable mango season for Ecuador!
Catherine Sanchez
• Citrus (orange, easy peelers and grapefruit): Go-ahead coming for citrus exports
Computer graphics from Uruguay to the United States? — Orange variety of the month: Valencia Late
Martine Duportal
— A sword of Damocles hangs over the next South African citrus season in the
Iconography
Régis Domergue
EU! — Spanish easy peelers: the new varieties are there but are they good
enough? — Easy peeler variety of the month: ‘Or’.
Website
Unité multimédia (Cirad) • Sea freight.
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Eric Imbert E. Imbert, D. Loeillet, C. Dawson, P. Gerbaud, T. Paqui, R. Bright
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Translator
Simon Barnard The latest on...
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Impact Imprimerie p. 14 • Counter-season melons — Broaden the field!
n°483 ZAC des Vautes Cécilia Céleyrette
34980 Saint Gély du Fesc, France
Separate French and English editions
ISSN
French: 1256-544X / English: 1256-5458
Close-up by Pierre Gerbaud : PASSION FRUIT
© Cirad

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p. 19 • The European passion fruit market:
EUR 220 / 11 issues per year a growing market
This document was produced by the Markets News • Selling passion fruit in Europe:
Service of the PERSYST department at CIRAD, for
the exclusive use of subscribers. The data pre- a trend towards varietal diversification
sented are from reliable sources, but CIRAD may
not be held responsible for any error or omission. • Cultivation of passion fruit
Under no circumstances may the published prices
be considered to be transaction prices. Their aim is
to shed light on the medium and long-term market
• Main varieties of passion fruit
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Wholesale market prices in Europe

p. 39 JANUARY 2013

Cover photograph: Guy Bréhinier

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No. 208 February 2013 1

 Direct from the markets

Banana
January 2013
Volumes were more substantial in Banana consumption: the ting over the weather damage sus-
January. Nevertheless, arrivals from EU marks time... The figures are tained and is re-launching its banana
the French West Indies, Surinam and out: the European banana market sector, doubling the volumes
the Canary Islands continued to de- (EU-27) shrank by 2% in 2012. shipped to the EU. This is not the
crease, returning to volumes close to Indeed, according to CIRAD Mar- case of Dominica, which failed to
the average after the large quantities at ket Watch figure, banana con- take off for the second year running.
the end of 2012. However, the de- sumption (re-exports deducted)
As regards European production, the
crease was made up for by an increase was 5.1 million tonnes in 2012.
three main regions made progress:
from Africa as shipments from Camer- This is 83 000 tonnes less than in
Canary Islands (+ 7%), Martinique
oon increased considerably (60% 2011. At 69%, dollar sources lost
(+ 5%) and Guadeloupe (+ 7%).
greater than the 3-year average). In 1% to the benefit of European pro-
addition, the very marked shortage of duction, which increased to 12%. Finally, it has been seen that the
dollar bananas at the end of 2012 ease The remaining 19% is accounted dollar sources had difficulties in
off. While Ecuador still displayed a defi- for by ACP sources that thus stabi- 2012. The four leading suppliers lost
cit to a certain degree, shipments from lised their presence on the market. ground, to a considerable extent in
Costa Rica returned to close to normal Costa Rica (- 10%) and Panama
levels for the season and, above all, December performance confirmed
(- 9%) while losses were limited in
arrivals from Colombia were 15% the decrease in banana imports.
Ecuador (- 3%) and Colombia
greater than average. They fell by 9%, a record, in com-
(balanced). Peru was a big winner
parison with December 2011. The
with stupefying 24% growth again in
Small since the autumn, competition fall for dollar bananas (thus exclud-
2012. The slow decrease of Brazil
from the season's fruits continued to be ing ACP supplies) was 14% during
was confirmed. Mexico is still a mod-
moderate, with a continued deficit of the month, that is to say 42 000 t
est supplier but achieved a historic
apples and pears and the end of the less. The import balance has only
year. This preliminary analysis will
early easy peelers from Spain. How- been positive twice since January
be completed in detail in the tradi-
ever, demand was more or less slow 2012: in January (+ 5%) and No-
tional section on banana in FruiTrop
according to the country and possible vember (+ 4%). The decrease in
in April 2013.
logistic problems resulting from cold the share of the dollar zone was
Source: CIRAD
weather and the winter holidays. Retail partially compensated by the West
prices remained high in France and Indian ACP producers (+4%) and
Germany throughout the period, run- European production (+ 6%). Ex-
ning 14% above the average. Green ports from the African ACP group
prices increased right at the beginning increased by 3%.
of the month, but more moderately than The ACP group displays strong
in other years. They had been above disparities. The Dominican Repub-
average since the end of 2012 and lic, the leading ACP supplier and
returned to close to normal levels in the fourth-largest supplier country
Week 4. overall, displayed a strong de-
crease (- 10%) to slightly less than
300 000 tonnes. Like Cameroon,
which had a very bad 2012 (- 9%).
Côte d’Ivoire was unchanged and
became the second ACP supplier.
Belize and Surinam performed
magnificently with growth rates of
NORTHERN EUROPE — IMPORT PRICE + 40% and + 32% respectively in
January Comparison comparison with 2011. Ghana also
© Denis Loeillet

2013 previous average for made progress but in more modest

euro/box month last 2 years proportions (+ 7%). St Lucia is get-

14.50 + 7% - 2%

Allem agne - Prix vert EUROPE — RETAIL PRICE

Germany - Green price (2nd(2e
/3rdet 3e
brands)
14.5 January 2013 Comparison
Country December average for last
type euro/kg
E 2012 3 years
U
euros/colis
euro/box

R France normal 1.58 0% + 14%

O special offer 1.37 - 1% + 17%
P Germany normal 1.30 + 1% + 14%
E discount 1.20 + 5% + 23%
UK (£/kg) packed 1.17 0% - 3%
J F M A M J J A S O N D loose 0.77 + 2% - 6%
Spain plátano 1.88 - 4% + 5%
2013 2012 2011 banano 1.30 0% - 3%

Contenu publié par l’Observatoire des Marchés du CIRAD − Toute reproduction interdite

2 February 2013 No. 208

 Direct from the markets

Banana
Etats-Unis - Prix
USA - Green vert(spot)
price (spot) The United States likes ba- Value chain in the banana
U nanas more and more. Confirming sector. The coming meeting of
N
16.8 its excellent form, the US market Group 2 (distribution of value) of
I
T finished 2012 with a 7% gain in vol- the World Banana Forum (WBF) is
E ume. Consumption reached a historic to be held on 21 and 22 March in
USD/box

D level at 3 847 000 tonnes. This is Panama (Chianguinola). More in-

USD/colis

800 000 tonnes better than the low formation from: www.fao.org/wbf/
S point reached in 2009. All suppliers,
T except for Ecuador, are making Source: CIRAD
A
T
sometimes remarkable progress. For
E J F M A M J J A S O N D
example, Guatemala, the leading
S source, did 9% better. Colombia and
2013 2012 2011 Honduras displayed respective in-
creases of 14 to 20% in comparison
USA — IMPORT PRICE with 2011. Costa Rica consolidated
its position, having favoured the
January Comparison
United States rather than Europe.
2013 previous average for Finally, Ecuador displayed poor per-
USD/box month last 2 years formance, as it did not benefit from
the increase in consumption and left
15.80 + 1% - 2%
its place to its competitors. Exports
fell by 18%, that is to say 159 000
tonnes less! Re-exports to Canada
Russie - Russia
Prix vert CIF Stprice
- Green Petersburg
also decreased slightly to about
500 000 t (- 3%). In terms of value,
15.3 the import figure (customs source)
R was stable at USD 443 per tonne, far
USD/box

U from the USD 281 recorded in 2007.

USD/colis

S The traditional section on banana in

S FruiTrop in April will complete this

© Denis Loeillet
I preliminary analysis in detail.
A
Source: CIRAD

J F M A M J J A S O N D
2013 2012 2011 Banana - January to December 2012 (provisional)
Difference
tonnes 2010 2011 2012
2012/2011
RUSSIA — IMPORT PRICE EU-27 — Total supply 5 114 223 5 181 314 5 097 942 - 2%
January Comparison Total import, of which 4 502 824 4 606 650 4 489 590 - 3%
2013 previous average for MFN 3 480 389 3 629 757 3 508 959 - 3%
month last 2 years ACP Africa 539 688 505 106 489 187 - 3%
USD/box
ACP others 482 747 471 786 491 444 + 4%
15.30 + 15% + 1% Total EU, of which 611 399 574 664 608 351 + 6%
Martinique 196 398 178 522 187 029 + 5%
Guadeloupe 42 479 59 130 63 253 + 7%
Spain - Platano green price* Canaries 354 312 315 967 337 023 + 7%
Espagne - Prix vert platano*
USA — Imports 4 093 892 4 122 682 4 349 733 + 6%
Re-exports 503 585 516 377 502 496 - 3%
C 16.2 Net supply 3 590 307 3 606 305 3 847 238 + 7%
A EU sources: CIRAD, EUROSTAT (excl. EU domestic production) / USA source: USA customs
euro/box
euros/colis

N
A
R
I
E EUROPE — IMPORTED VOLUMES — JANUARY 2013
S
Comparison
J F M A M J J A S O N D Origin December January cumulated total 2013
2012 2012 compared to 2012
2013 2012 2011
French West Indies - 13% - 13%
Cameroon/Ghana + 34% + 34%
CANARIES — IMPORT PRICE* Surinam + 9% + 9%
Comparison Canaries - 5% - 5%
January
2013 previous average for Dollar :
euro/box month last 2 years Ecuador - 3% - 3%
Colombia* + 12% + 12%
16.20 + 1% + 6% Costa Rica +8% +8%
* 18.5 kg box equivalent Estimated thanks to professional sources / * total all destinations
Contenu publié par l’Observatoire des Marchés du CIRAD − Toute reproduction interdite

No. 208 February 2013 3

 Direct from the markets

Orange
January 2013
The market for oranges remained very Go-ahead coming for citrus mainly of oranges and easy peel-
difficult. Although the wintry weather exports from Uruguay to the ers for the EU market.
was suitable for consumption, sales of United States? Oranges, lem- Source: Reefer Trends
both dessert and juice oranges were ons and certain easy peeler varie-
smaller than average. However, pres- ties including clementines and Orange variety of the
sure of Spanish supply remained very Satsuma from Uruguay should be
strong, especially as the quality of a month: Valencia Late. Originat-
in shops in the United States next
considerable proportion of the large ing in the Azores, Valencia is the
season. Negotiations between the
volumes of 'Naveline'/'Navel' still avail- most commonly planted variety in
two countries are in the final phase
able from Spain was extremely fragile. the world. This medium-sized vari-
of public consultation and this will
Prices were rock-bottom at the import ety is round and slightly oblong.
lead to the opening of the market if
stage and fell to rarely experienced The peel is thin, well-coloured and
no objection is recorded during a
depths at production. This made for an slightly grainy. The flesh is very
period of 60 days. Fruits for this
extremely depressed context and Mo- juicy, with 2 to 4 seeds. It is also
market will be able to enter duty-
rocco was practically absent from the known as Maroc Late (from Mo-
free but a sanitary procedure must
European market and the season for rocco) and Jaffa Late (from Israel).
be respected including in particular
'Maltese' from Tunisia started with diffi- disinsectisation (cold treatment or Source: CIRAD
cult y even though volumes wer e fumigation), except for lemons
smaller than average. The first under certain conditions. The
'Navelate' from Spain were delivered at opening of this large market is
the end of the month. excellent news for the Uruguayan
citrus growing sector as it has ex-
perienced a recurrent problem of
Orange France --Import
Orange - France Prix imprice
port loss of profitability in recent sea-
0.9 sons. This is possibly also a posi-
0.8 tive signal for Argentina, which has
0.7 sought to re-enter the United
0.6 States market since the latter's
euro/kg

0.5 doors closed in 2001. Uruguay

0.4 exported 120 000 to 150 000 t of
0.3
0.2 citrus in recent years, consisting
0.1
0.0
O N D J F M A M J J A S Citrus - Uruguay - Exports
12/13 11/12 10/11 158
146 150
16 137
129 14 122 126 16
15 121
Average Comparison 13 44 13
000 tonnes

46 15 52 14
monthly with average 94
P Type 37 41 39
price for last 2 38 38 14
R euro/box 15 kg years
I 35
C Dessert
oranges 8.55 + 3% 96 85
E 77 79 73 83
69 68
Juice 45
oranges 8.70 - 2%

Comparison 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
V
O Type previous average for Orange Easy peelers Grapefruit Lemon
L month last 2 years
U Source: DNA
Dessert
M oranges - 3%
E
S Juice = - 27%
oranges

Comparison Cumulated
Varieties total /
by previous average for Observations cumulated
V source month last 2 years average for
O last 2 years
L Supply slightly smaller than average for lack of demand in spite of the large
U Navel/Navelina
from Spain - 9% volumes available. The quality of a significant proportion of supply was - 11%
M extremely heterogeneous.
E
Salustiana
S from Spain = - 27% Supply distinctly smaller than average. + 27%

Maltese Supply smaller than average during the first month of the season for reasons
from Tunisia - 9% - 9%
of market conditions.

Contenu publié par l’Observatoire des Marchés du CIRAD − Toute reproduction interdite

4 February 2013 No. 208

 Direct from the markets

Grapefruit
January 2013
The market was still disappointing. De- A sword of Damocles mill: citrus black spot is not on the
mand brightened thanks to seasonal hangs over the next South list of organisms in the sanitary
promotion operations after the usual African citrus season in the
protocol as the risk of spread is
period of poor sales in December. But considered to be very improbable.
EU! The EU is threatening to take
sales were not particularly brisk. Opera- Between 550 000 and 600 000
measures to prevent imports from tonnes of citrus are exported to
tors in Florida kept shipments limited, South Africa if more than five
given the stocks available at the begin- EU-27 each year from South Af-
batches of citrus displaying citrus rica, forming 60% of market supply
ning of the month. Prices remained black spot, a fungal disease
stable and high but still not very profit- in the summer.
caused by Guignardia citricarpa,
able for importers. The market for Medi- are detected during the coming Sources: Reefer Trends, CGA
terranean grapefruit continued to be season. EFSA (European Food
difficult. Arrivals were slightly larger Safety Authority) considers that
than average in particular as a result of the fruits can be a vector of con-
a slight increase in volumes from tamination and that the disease
Spain. Prices firmed slightly in compari- could develop in certain parts of
son with those of December but re- the EU in spite of the specific
mained lower than average. climatic conditions required for
the development of the disease.
This firming of the position of the
European authorities comes at a
moment when South African pro-
fessionals have set up costly and
severe control measures in both
Pom elo - -France
Grapefruit France -- Prix im price
Import port
the citrus groves and packing
1.2 stations. This has reduced the
1.1 prevalence of the disease drasti-
1.0 cally since the early 2000s. South
euro/kg

0.9
African professionals are against
this threat and consider that
0.8
EFSA's arguments are not based
0.7
on any serious scientific justifica-
0.6 tion. The recent decision by the
0.5 US sanitary authorities to open
O N D J F M A M J J A S the frontier shortly to citrus from

© Eric Imbert
12/13 11/12 10/11 Uruguay, where the disease is
present, provides grist for their

Average Comparison
monthly with average Citrus — EU-27 — Imports from austral Africa
P Type price for last 2 (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Swaziland)
R euro/box
I 17 kg box eq. years market
tonnes 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
C share
Tropical 17.50-18.00 - 9%
E Orange 493 435 485 416 360 406 447 478 362 193 424 455 69%
Mediterranean 9.50-10.00 - 3% Easy peelers 68 978 71 220 65 811 65 562 58 093 70 475 39%
Grapefruit 105 212 97 520 97 271 90 919 111 220 84 179 80%
V Comparison
O Type previous average for
Lemon 30 724 64 833 39 007 45 633 45 245 40 425 19%
L month last 2 years Total 698 349 718 989 562 495 649 592 576 751 619 534 55%
U
M Tropical - 25%
Source: Eurostat

E
S Mediterranean + 10%

Comparison Cumulated
total /
Source previous average for Observations cumulated
month last 2 years average for
V last 2 years
O
L Florida Limited exports to both the EU and the other world markets. Particularly modest
- 25% - 10%
U arrivals in the EU because of December stocks remaining to be sold.
M
Average arrivals in the EU in spite of a sizeable dip in the first half of the month
E Israel + 1% + 7%
S because of a long period of very bad weather.
Exports to all destinations returned to a level higher than average but the
Turkey - 7% - 4%
quantities destined for the EU seemed markedly short.
Spain + 15% Return to larger than average exports for the first time in the season. + 3%

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No. 208 February 2013 5

 Direct from the markets

Easy peelers
January 2013

© Denis Loeillet
The December recovery was confirmed brid 'Moncalina', a mutation of
as supply remained distinctly smaller 'Moncada' (a cross between 'Oroval'
than average. The seasons of the ma- clementine and 'Kara'), will be available
jor Spanish varieties ended early—in in January and February. Finally, 'Murta',
mid-month for 'Nules' clementine and at the result of a mutation of 'Murcott', will
the end of the period for 'Clemenvilla' cover the end of the season from mid-
because of a very high proportion of February to the end of April alongside
sorting rejects. The resulting clear mar- the recently launched triploids 'Garbi'
ket and demand stimulated by cold and 'Safor'. Will these varieties meet the
weather were fairly favourable for con- expectations of professionals? This is a
sumption and the price of the good major issue for citrus growing in the Va-
brands of these cultivars firmed and the lencia region which suffers from recur-
other references available sold well: rent over-production in November and
'Nour' from Morocco in moderate quan- December and that hopes to improve
tities, 'Hernandina' from Spain, 'Or' and Spanish easy peelers: the profitability by developing a broader
'Minneola' from Israel where volumes new varieties are there but are range during the period covering the end
were smaller than forecast for reasons they good enough? IVIA presented of the season.
of very bad weather. The seasons for five new varieties of easy peeler at Sources: IVIA, Las Provincias
'Nadorcott' from Spain and Morocco the end of January. The clementine
started at the end of the month under 'Nero' is the only early variety of this Easy peeler variety of the
good conditions. new set of cultivars, which is strongly
month: ‘Or’. 'Or' is a hybrid of 'Temple'
centred on late fruits. It differs from
and 'Dancy' and was bred by the Volcani
'Nules', from which it was bred, in its
Center in Israel. It is a me-
harvest period from mid-October to
Petits
Easyagrum es- France
peelers - France - Prix im
- Import port
price dium-sized fruit recognis-
the end of November, and by the fact
able by fairly marked
2.7 that it is seedless. Three other varie-
grooves running from the
2.4 ties should strengthen Spanish com-
base of the peduncle and
2.1 petitiveness in January-February,
1.8 the occasional presence of a
currently the period for 'Hernandina'
euro/kg

1.5 small fruit embryo. The skin

clementine and the hybrid 'Fortuna',
1.2 is fairly pale orange, of
both of which display unconvincing
0.9 medium thickness and is
0.6
quality. The clementines 'Clemenverd'
easily removed. The seg-
0.3 and 'Neufina', bred from a mutation of
ments are soft and juicy with
0.0 'Nules', will cover respectively the
few pips. The flavour is very pleasant
S O N D J F M A periods from the end of December to
thanks to a good sugar:acid balance.
the beginning of February and from
12/13 11/12 10/11 mid-January to early March. The hy- Source: CIRAD

Average Comparison Easy peelers — Spain — New varieties harvest calendar

P monthly with average
Type Diameter Weight % Colo.
R price for last 2 Varieties D J F M A
(mm) (g) juice index
I euro/kg years
C Clementines
E Clementine 0.92 + 18% Clemenverd 57-65 95-110 48-50 20
Hybrids 0.84 + 17% Neufina 55-60 90-100 52-48 17
Hybrids
V Comparison
Moncalina 65-70 120-140 54-57 18
O Type previous average for
L Murta 55-60 80-100 48-53 12
month last 2 years
U Garbi 65-75 48 15
M Clementine - 18%
E Safor 60-65 52 18
S Hybrids + 16%

Comparison Cumulated
Varieties total /
by previous average for Observations cumulated
source month last 2 years average for
V last 2 years
O
Clementine The 'Nules' season ended early at the beginning of the month as fruits were
L from Spain - 25% - 10%
fragile and the proportion of sorting rejects high.
U
Clemenvilla Early end of the season in the last part of the month: susbtantial sorting
M from Spain - 2% + 5%
rejects as the fruits were fragile.
E
S Nour Shipments distinctly short because of small production and the choice of
from Morocco - 33% - 33%
markets outside the EU.
The season did not start as early as expected and the volume was smaller
Or
from Israel - 12% than planned because serious bad weather made the harvest late and led to - 12%
the downgrading of part of the crop.

Contenu publié par l’Observatoire des Marchés du CIRAD − Toute reproduction interdite

6 February 2013 No. 208

Contenu publié par l’Observatoire des Marchés du CIRAD − Toute reproduction interdite
 Direct from the markets

Avocado
January 2013

© Denis Loeillet
The 'Hass' market was very buoyant. grapes, pomegranate and blueber-
Supply held at a good level in spite of a ries. Technical and marketing coop-
dip in mid-month. Supply from Israel eration should also be set up.
was still small. Arrivals from Chile held Sources: Camposol, Agricom
at a very strong level as the United
States market was still particularly Growth continues in Peru.
competitive. In addition, volumes from
Peruvian exports should grow
Spain were larger than average, as
strongly in 2013, according to the
was complementary supply from Mex-
managing director of Agricola Cerro
ico. However, the volumes were well
Prieto. Shipments had hardly in-
shared out between the different EU
creased in 2012, standing at about
markets and sales were fairly fluid.
83 000 t, and could reach the sym-
Prices firmed, becoming very high at
bolic 100 000-tonne threshold for
the end of the month, especially for
the first time. Competition promises
medium-sized to large fruits. The mar-
to be fierce in the United States,
ket for green varieties was only just
given the size of the Californian
stable in spite of this buoyant context
harvest (see FruiTrop 207) and the
and a slight shortage of shipments.
maintaining of strong pressure from
Mexico. This leads to considering
Chile is a new market for that most of these additional vol-
Peruvian avocado. The Chilean umes will be directed to the EU.
market should open to Peruvian And growth will not stop yet! Ac-
avocado next season, according to cording to the same source, the
Avocado - France- -Prix
Avocat - France Import price
im port 20 000 ha that the Peruvian orchard
the director of SENASA (Servicio
Nacional de Sanidad Agraria). The should attain in 2017, could make it
2.8
process is in the last phase of pub- possible in time to export 190 000 t
2.4 per year.
2.0 lic consultation and it will probably
be possible to open the frontier in
euro/kg

1.6 Sources: Reefer Trends, Agraria.pe

April. In addition, negotiations have
1.2
been started to allow Peruvian avo-
0.8
cado to enter the Chinese market.
0.4 Avocado - Peru
0.0 Source: Andina Exports for all varieties
O N D J F M A M J J A S
Partnership agreement be- Others
12/13 11/12 10/11 81 83
tween Camposol and Agricom. North America
Camposol, the leading Peruvian EU 11 18
Average avocado exporter, and Agricom, 60
Comparison
000 tonnes

P Varieties
price in
with the last one of the big names in this fruit in 51
48
R France
2 years Chile, have decided to set up
I euro/box 38
'Agricom - Camposol Fresh', a joint 32
C Green 5.00-6.00 + 3% 67 64
E trading structure for the European 18 50 46
57
market and based in the Nether-
Hass 8.50-9.50 + 18% 31 36
lands. The aim is not only to ration- 18
alise structural costs but also to
V Comparison draw up a broader sales calendar
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

O Varieties
L previous average for for clientele, using the complemen-
U month last 2 years tary features of the ranges of the
M Green two sources in avocado, citrus, Source: SUNAT
- 5%
E
S Hass = + 38%

Comparison Cumulated
total /
Source previous average for Observations cumulated
month last 2 years average for
V last 2 years
O Supply continued to be very large and distinctly greater than average in spite
L Chile
U
= + 109% of a dip in mid-months. The market opening was still very small in the United + 29%
States.
M
Moderate arrivals of both 'Hass' and green varieties. Marked shortage in the
E Israel = - 19% - 19%
second half of the month.
S
Volumes were moderate but larger than those of December and distinctly
Mexico + 1 716% + 51%
larger than average.
Spain = + 19% Arrivals larger than average, especially of green varieties. + 16%

Contenu publié par l’Observatoire des Marchés du CIRAD − Toute reproduction interdite

8 February 2013 No. 208

Contenu publié par l’Observatoire des Marchés du CIRAD − Toute reproduction interdite
 Direct from the markets

Pineapple
January 2013
Supply of 'Sweet' in January continued US pineapple imports soon Mango - Ecuador - Exports
the downward trend set in December. to reach a million tonnes? The
Supply thus dwindled to the various figure makes you feel dizzy. US USA others
European markets. Although not excep- pineapple imports, which were
tional, demand was still greater than stuck at less than 500 000 t in
2.3 1.7
supply. But rather than rocketing prices 2003, reached 925 000 t in 2012. 1.8
2.4 1.6

million boxes of 4 kg
increased steadily week after week. The performance is ac- 1.8
2.6 2.7
The highest prices were reached companied by the good
1.5
in Weeks 3 and 4. Supply news that the rate of
was also somewhat imbal- growth, that seemed to 9.2
8.6 8.1 7.3 8.1
anced. In the first weeks have slowed in recent 7.4
6.4 6.6 5.9
of the month, the highest years, has fully recov-
prices were fetched by ered, as is shown by the
large fruits (especially 5 and increase of imports by
6) that were less available. more than 100 000 t from

04-05
05-06
06-07
07-08
08-09
09-10
10-11
11-12
12-13
However, as supply decreased 2011 to 2012. This will be
overall from mid-month on- gratifying for Costa Rican
wards, operators were short of producers, the main build- Source: Fundacion Mango Ecuador
fruits of all sizes. ers of this success and
who exported nearly
Supply of 'Smooth Cayenne' was 800 000 t of pineapples to the record of nearly 11 million boxes
very small for the whole of the United States market last season. after oscillating between 9 et 10
month. Practically absent at the begin- The increase of 20 000 t in imports million boxes in the last three years.
ning of the month, the fruits sold at the from Mexico and 10 000 t from The returns were also satisfactory,
end of the month sold more readily; Honduras is just as noteworthy, like with producers obtaining USD 2.80
especially as colour was better. the waning of Ecuador, whose ex- per box FOB. As every year, the
ports to the US dipped to below United States was the destination
Supply on the air pineapple market was 10 000 t. for 80% of export shipments, which
also very small throughout the month. consisted of 65% 'Tommy Atkins'
Sales were quite fluid, supported by Source: US Customs and 20% 'Kent'. The area under
fairly strong demand. The quality prob- mango in Ecuador now totals some
lems reported in December for fruits An honourable mango sea- 7 700 ha, with 6 600 ha for export
from Benin and Cameroon (irregular son for Ecuador! The 2012-13 crops. The production area is con-
colour and poor keeping qualities) con- export season is finishing with a centrated in Guayas province in the
tinued. This resulted in a broadening of satisfactory performance for Ecua- centre of the Pacific coastal strip.
the price range for fruits from these dor. According to Fundación
sources. Sales of 'Sugarloaf' pineapple Mango Ecuador, exports set a new Sources: Reefer Trends, Fundacion Mango Ecuador

held at a good level throughout the

month at prices oscillating between
EUR 1.95 and 2.10 per kg according to Pineapple — USA — Imports
the operator and availability. 000 tonnes 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Costa Rica 439 523 575 584 589 677 698 789
Mexico 27 22 29 39 46 50 36 55
Supply of 'Victoria' decreased through-
Honduras 33 13 20 23 22 22 27 37
out the month to match small demand Panama 4 3 8 9 12 16 14 15
after the Christmas period. Prices were Guatemala 32 33 27 26 18 13 15 14
stable although fruits from Réunion sold Ecuador 37 36 33 28 29 25 22 8
better than those from Mauritius. Others 5 5 4 5 5 6 6 7
Total 578 634 697 714 720 809 818 925
Source: US Customs

PINEAPPLE — IMPORT PRICE IN FRANCE — MAIN ORIGINS

Weeks 2013 1 2 3 4 5
By air (euro/kg)
PINEAPPLE — IMPORT PRICE
Smooth Cayenne Benin 1.75-1.90 1.80-1.90 1.80-1.90 1.80-1.90 1.70-1.85
Cameroon 1.70-1.90 1.80-1.90 1.75-1.90 1.75-1.90 1.70-1.90
Weeks
Min Max Ghana 1.75-1.85 1.80-1.90 1.80-1.90 1.80-1.90 1.75-1.90
E 1 to 5
Victoria Réunion 3.30-3.60 3.30-3.60 3.30-3.60 3.30-3.50 3.20-3.60
U
Mauritius 3.00-3.30 3.00-3.30 3.00-3.30 3.00 3.00-3.10
R By air (euro/kg)
O By sea (euro/box)
P Smooth Cayenne 1.70 1.90 Smooth Cayenne Côte d’Ivoire 9.00-10.00 9.50-10.50
E Victoria 3.00 3.60 Ghana 8.50-9.00
By sea (euro/box) Sweet Côte d’Ivoire 7.50-9.50 7.50-9.50 7.50-9.50 8.00-9.50 8.00-9.50
Cameroon 7.50-9.50 7.50-9.50 7.50-9.50 8.00-9.50 8.00-9.50
Smooth Cayenne 8.50 10.50 Ghana 7.50-9.50 7.50-9.50 7.50-9.50 8.00-9.50 8.00-9.50
Sweet 7.50 12.00 Costa Rica 7.50-9.00 7.50-9.50 8.50-10.50 9.50-12.00 8.50-11.00

Contenu publié par l’Observatoire des Marchés du CIRAD − Toute reproduction interdite

10 February 2013 No. 208

 Direct from the markets

Mango Litchi
January 2013 January 2013
The European mango market in Janu- In January, the sale of litchis shipped last part of the season.

© Guy Bréhinier
ary continued as in the second half of by air continued but volumes de- These shipments finally
December, with a gradual worsening of creased rapidly. Réunion was the only arrived at the end of the
sales conditions. Deliveries from Brazil source shipping fresh fruits and prices second week for re-
were still large and the increase in recovered strongly in comparison with lease on the market
quantities from Peru caused stocks to those of the end of December as the in the third week of
form while demand decreased. Arrivals quantities released were small. De- January. This dip in
from Brazil then decreased but the stemmed fruits fetched around EUR supply made it possi-
European market remained over- 6.00 to 6.50 per kg while bunches sold ble to maintain high
supplied by shipments from Peru and at a distinctly higher EUR 10.00 to prices, an unusual feature at this time
complementary volumes from Ecuador. 12.00 per kg. The latter category of the year. The last batches of fruits
The decrease in the quality of 'Kent' formed the greater part of the volumes from Madagascar arrived in the second
and 'Keitt' from Brazil at the end of the shipped from Reunion. The season had half of the month. Sales were fluid but
season made sales more difficult. Fruits started early and so it finished early their fragility resulted in a fall in prices.
from Peru were also difficult to sell for too. A few shipments were possible in
reasons of uneven quality: black spoil- spite of cyclone Dumile as it did not Meanwhile, the South African season
age, stem rot and poor ripening. Ship- affect the litchi production zones di- continued with irregular arrivals. Bene-
ments also consisted mainly of small rectly. A few batches of litchis on the fiting from the small shipments from
fruits that do not match demand, which branch were also shipped from South Madagascar, prices held at a high
is more focused on larger fruits. Price Africa, with the varieties being first level, with large fruits selling better.
brackets broadened considerably and 'Mauritius' and then 'Red McLean'. The Prices weakened in the second half of
clearance sales greatly reduced aver- fruits were sold at EUR 8.00 to 9.00 per the month as large fruits became more
age returns. The decrease in demand kg. rare and also because of greater qual-
was aggravated by the periods of snow ity problems.
and very low temperatures that affected Most of the litchis available in January
a large part of northern Europe in Janu- were shipped by sea from Madagascar
ary. As a result, 2013 started under and South Africa. Sales of litchis from
more difficult conditions than 2012 Madagascar continued throughout the LITCHI — ARRIVALS (estimates)
Tonnes
when shipments from Peru were very month. At the beginning of the period,
limited. the last batches carried by the second Weeks
2013
1 2 3 4 5 E
conventional ship supplied a market U
The market for fruits shipped by air was with weaker demand but that was still By air R
also difficult, with large shipments from active. Prices firmed in the first half of Réunion 15 4 1 1 - O
Peru and complementary supply from the month as few stocks were still avail- P
Brazil at the end of the season. Strong able and the first containers initially South Africa - 5 6 10 10 E
deliveries ran up against a decrease in expected at the beginning of the sec- By sea
consumption resulting in the accumula- ond week of the month were late. The
Madagascar - 1 320 - 440 -
tion of stocks. The large proportion of latter were to take over supply for the
very ripe batches resulted in frequent
clearance sales, especially in the sec- LITCHI — IMPORT PRICE ON THE FRENCH MARKET — euro/kg
ond half of he month. Only the best Average Average
produce fetched prices in the upper Weeks
1 2 3 4 5 January January
part of the bracket. A few batches of 2013
2013 2012
'Early Gold' arrived from Réunion at the By air
beginning of the month but high prices
Réunion br 6.00-11 11-12 11 11-12 6.00-11 9.00-11.40 10.00-12.30
made sales difficult in the face of Latin
American competition. These ship- By sea
ments soon ceased because of the Madagascar s 2.00-2.10 2.20-2.30 2.20-2.50 1.60-2.50 1.50-1.70 1.90-2.20 1.70-2.00
damage caused by cyclone Dumile. South Africa s 3.00-3.50 3.00-3.50 3.00-4.00 2.60-3.00 2.60-3.00 2.85-3.40 1.60-2.05
br: on the vine or not sulphur treated / s: sulphur treated

MANGO — ARRIVALS (estimates) MANGO — IMPORT PRICE ON THE FRENCH MARKET — Euro
Tonnes
Weeks Average Average
1 2 3 4 5 Weeks 2013 1 2 3 4 5 January January
2013
E 2013 2012
By air
U By air (kg)
R Brazil 30 15 15 10 -
Brazil Kent 3.00-4.00 3.50-4.00 3.50-3.80 - - 3.30-3.90 4.00-4.80
O
Peru 60 80 100 80 50
P Peru Kent 3.50-4.00 3.50-4.30 3.50-4.00 3.00-4.00 3.00-3.50 3.30-3.95 4.05-4.80
E By sea By sea (box)
Brazil 2 620 1 520 770 700 570 Brazil T. Atkins - 3.50-5.00 3.50-4.50 - - 3.50-4.75 4.65-5.30
Ecuador 480 220 90 20 Brazil Kent 3.50-4.00 - 2.00-3.00 2.00-4.00 - 2.50-3.65 5.00-6.00
Peru 1 620 2 840 3 300 1 520 3 820 Peru Kent 4.50-5.50 3.00-5.00 3.00-5.00 2.50-5.00 2.50-4.50 3.10-5.00 5.60-7.00

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No. 208 February 2013 11

 YOUR EUROPEAN GATE
SOUTH OF FRANCE

MAGASIN
A 25,600 m2 DE 25 600 m2 INFORMATISÉ
COMPUTERISED AND PROTECTEDET PROTÉGÉ
WAREHOUSE
23 200 m² de surface transit et conservation
23,200 square
Capacité totalemeters
15 000ofpalettes
transit and
dontstorage
5 500 area
Total10
dans capacity: 15 000
chambres pallets
froides including
(0°/14° et une5,500
– 25°)
in 10 cold stores (from 0°/14°C and one at – 25°C)
8 portes accès quai
8 access
27 portes doors to the quayles conteneurs
pour décharger
27 portes
33 gates for unloading
pour chargercontainers
les camions
33 gates for loading lorries
Quai : 37 m large, 450 m long, profondeur 12 m
Quayportiques
Deux : 37 m wide, 450 m long, and water depth 12 m
Twoparc
Un gantry cranes avec 140 prises
conteneurs
A container yard with 140 power sockets
Camions : parking informatisé à l’intérieur du port
Lorries
et : computerized
autoroute A9 à 9 km parking area inside port and
A9 motorway
Trains : 40 km deat 9voies
km
Trains :: 40
Barges kmpar
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Barges : canal use as far as Dijon
Zone portuaire – Quai E – CS 90133 – 34202 SETE CEDEX
Tél : +33 (0)467468989 – Fax : +33 (0)467498240 – E-mail : info@reefer-
Contenu publié par l’Observatoire des Marchés du CIRAD − Toute reproduction interdite
Zone portuaire – Quai E – CS 90133 – 34202 SETE CEDEX
sete.fr
Tel: +33 (0)467468989 – Fax: +33 (0)467498240 – E-mail: info@reefersete.fr
 Direct from the markets

Sea freight
January 2013
After the encouraging end to 2012 sels start redelivering from Chilean CMO banana—all done. The trade
there was an expectation among own- programmes, depends to some extent agreement on bananas between the Euro-
ers and operators that the market on the weather in Ecuador. pean Union and the United States of Amer-
would ‘kick on’ in January and start to ica, signed in Geneva on 8 June 2010,
There are few signs that last year’s dip came into force on 24 January 2013. It
deliver on the optimistic forecasts made
in export volumes is about to be re- marks the official end of one of the long-
as the year drew to a close. But al-
est—if not the longest—trade disputes be-
though the monthly TCE average calcu- versed, despite a relatively high aver-
tween the USA and the EU. We now await
lates at more than double the figure for age exit price. A lot of fruit is still being
the conclusion of the agreement of associa-
January 2011, chartering activity was lost to low sunlight levels and not
tion with eight states in Central and South
disappointingly light in the first weeks of enough heat. Factor in last year’s Siga- America to close the banana regulation file.
the New Year. By mid-month there was toka outbr e ak and a la ck of re- The agreement concerns mainly a sched-
a sense of disappointment and some investment in fungicides and fertilisers uled decrease in customs dues on import to
trepidation, unfounded as it has since and there is every reason to believe the EU for bananas from these countries. In
transpired, that the market would de- that there has been a structural down- addition, in the light of the break)-down of
velop along similar lines to last year. shift in Ecuadorian banana production. the Doha multilateral negotiations (no con-
However by the end of the month the clusion before the end of 2013), the degres-
picture had changed as Chile, Argen- If there is substance to the less-is-more sive dues schedule is suspended in 2013,
tina and Ecuador all started calling for adage, it is arguably in the interests of 2014 and 2015. The downward movement
tonnage. the Ecuadorian Government that ex- will therefore resume in 2016.The decision
port volumes should be naturally, or by the Council and then approval by the
Demand for smaller units was also artificially, capped – although the coun- European Parliament should come in 2013.
strong, buoyed by a good fish catch off try shipped 36m fewer boxes of ba- It is noted that Ecuador still does not wish to
West Africa and a good potato season nanas in 2012 than it did in 2011, the be involved in the agreement.
combined with bad weather in the average per box return was signifi-
Source: CIRAD
southern Mediterranean, which delayed cantly higher. And although the in-
vessels discharging at the Algerian port crease in revenue may not have com-
of Mostaganem for up to two weeks, pletely offset the loss in volume, the
keeping them off market. unofficial Spot or ‘exit’ price remained
higher than the official USD 5.50 per
Last year the real January TCE yield box for almost the entire 12 months. In
was affected not only by generally short, as long as the official price pay-
weak fundamentals but also the lay abl e to pro-
time incurred by vessels waiting for ducers is suffi-
cargoes. This year supply of tonnage cient to cover
from operators and demand from char- production costs,
terers was such that vessels fixed away growers can have
quicker and at higher rates. The in- no complaints with
crease in shipping costs is being offset the Government if all
by a strong grape market in the US and surplus fruit shipped
the anticipation of a strong topfruit mar- earns them more!
ket in the EU. It would make a big dif-
ference to charterers if banana pricing
in the Med also moved northwards.
© OCAB Côte d’Ivoire

With supply tight and demand coming

from a number of sources, there is no
reason to suggest any immediate
change in the ambitions of reefer op-
erators and therefore the current rate
structure. Whether these levels can be
maintained until mid March, when ves-

Grands reefers
Large reefers Small reefers
Petits reefers
MONTHLY SPOT AVERAGE
jours
jours

125 150
30days
30days

2013 2013
100 2012 125 2012
Cubftxx30
Cubftxx30

2011 2011
R USD cents/cubic foot Large Small 100
75
E x 30 days reefers reefers
Cents //Cubft
Cents/ /Cubft

E 75
50
F 50 *
January 2013 60 86
E
US Cents

25
US Cents

R 25
January 2012 23 48 0 0
US
US

1 6 11 16 21 26 31 36 41 46 51 1 6 11 16 21 26 31 36 41 46 51
January 2011 55 81 Semaines / SourceReefer
Weeks / Source: : Reefer Trends
Trends Semaines / Source
Weeks / Source: : Reefer
Reefer Trends
Trends

Contenu publié par l’Observatoire des Marchés du CIRAD − Toute reproduction interdite

No. 208 February 2013 13

 THE LATEST ON...

Counter-season melons

Broaden the field!

Stable import the Dominican Republic held their

ground at 877 t. Arrivals from Panama
Although slumps are potential continued to decrease (4 000 t, i.e.
very painful they in Europe 10% less than during the preceding
make it necessary to season), as did those from Israel
take decisions. The Community imports of counter-season (1 700 t, i.e. - 50%), with shipments
melons seem to have recovered also being affected by logistic difficul-
melon market has not slightly in the last season, returning ties in the latter case.
escaped this rule as to the pre-slump level, that is to say
the stagnation of slightly less than 300 000 t. But
the main trends observed recently
imports to Europe as were confirmed: Brazil is holding up
a result of the but only just, with the other Latin
economic crisis American sources such as Costa Rica
on its heels, and Senegal displayed
obliged too Euro- significant growth, with the reposition-
dependent South ing of major stakeholders, while the
American operators other sources, including Morocco and
Honduras, at best consolidated their
to revise their export positions.
profile and West
Imports from Brazil in 2011-12 thus
Indian operators have
returned to a level close to that of pre-
had to take measures ceding years at 157 000 t (+ 17% in
to promote value c o m p a r i s o n wi t h 2 0 1 1 ) a g a i n s t
169 200 t in 2009-10 and 173 000 t in
generated by their 2007-08 (figures for October to May).
production. However, Operators also remained cautious as
some sources such economic conditions were not very
favourable (exchange rates, economic
as Senegal seem to slump in Europe) and the 2010-11
have benefited from season had been particularly difficult,
the new situation and with increased competition from Costa
Rica, with a 7% increase in shipments
should deploy in the to Europe (69 000 t). Likewise, imports
coming years, from Senegal increased again to
possibly at the 11 200 t (+ 29% in comparison with
2010-11) as the number of sellers in-
expense of Morocco, creased. Shipments from Morocco
where areas planted decreased (45 300 t), mainly as a re-
with Charentais sult of bad weather (very low tempera-
tures in February) as cultivated areas
melons are remained stable overall. In parallel,
decreasing. shipments from the French West In-
dies decreased a little but those from
© Régis Domergue

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14 February 2013 No. 208

 sty melon!
The ta

www.etoile-du-sud.fr
Contact us The Professionals' Partner Producer
+ 33 (0)4 90 24 20 00
Contenu publié par l’Observatoire des Marchés du CIRAD − Toute reproduction interdite
contact@idyl.fr
13160 Châteaurenard
 THE LATEST ON...

Diversification
Melon - EU-27 - Extra-com m unity im ports
of Brazil's customer
(October to May) portfolio
350 Brazilian melon exports increased again, gaining
300 7% last season, with the score for the year (2012)
reaching no less than 181 800 t. This was the larg-
250
est volume of the last three years, but the total did
000 tonnes

200 not reach the level attained in 2008 when strongly

150
growing exports exceeded 200 000 t. But ship-
ments were much smaller at the end of 2012 and
100 the beginning of 2013, first because of drought
50 and also because of the fairly marked reposition-
ing of certain operators on the strongly growing
0 domestic market.
2001-02

2002-03

2003-04

2004-05

2005-06

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12
The economic slow-down and also competition
from the other Latin American sources halted the
Source: European customs increase in shipments to EU-27, which is still the
destination for 93% of Brazilian melon exports.
Brazilian operators are therefore now trying to
diversify their customer base and hope to estab-
© Regis Domergue
lish partnerships in the various countries and re-
gions in which agreements have been concluded
recently, that is to say Turkey, Asia (Singapore
and Hong Kong) and the Middle East (United Arab
Emirates and Saudi Arabia).

Negotiations also started in September 2012 with

the United States, whose market is open to Brazil-
ian melons from December to May (28% customs
tariff outside this period), to move this import win-
dow and adapt it to Brazil's export calendar
(September to January). This is an important issue
for Brazilian producers, for whom the estimated
potential in the USA is USD130 million. In com-
parison, exports to Europe generate about USD
120 million.

This would also make it possible to avoid direct

competition with the other South American
sources whose season starts at the end of De-
cember-beginning of January. For example, the
improvement of production techniques has en-
Melon — EU-27 — Extra-community imports abled Honduras to increase its production poten-
(October to May) tial, even though this trend was masked in 2011-
12 by a shortfall in production and hence in ex-
tonnes 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12
ports: exports to all destinations totalled 260 000 t
Brazil 173 437 166 953 169 201 134 594 157 056 in 2011-12, including 31 900 t to EU-27 (4% down
Costa Rica 50 397 42 567 59 942 65 223 69 820 on 2010-11). Operators therefore hoped to be
more present this year, with production expected
Morocco 51 748 46 031 50 866 51 480 45 304 to rise by 5 to 10% but weather conditions (cold
Honduras 17 299 22 806 21 697 33 140 31 899 wind) seem to have torpedoed hopes once again.
Senegal 2 307 3 110 5 469 8 681 11 190
In contrast, the trend in Costa Rica is more for a
Panama 18 808 12 071 11 017 4 386 3 934 decrease in planted areas because of increased
Guatemala 307 183 - - 2 415 production costs and pressure from urban devel-
opment. Operators can no longer match the in-
Israel 4 851 3 622 3 702 3 361 1 675
creased competitiveness of the other Latin Amer-
Dom. Rep. 1 309 800 548 754 877 ica production zones. Costa Rican exports are
Total reported not to have exceeded 123 700 t in 2012,
326 694 302 801 328 296 306 260 329 083
extra EU-27 according to provisional figures from Procomer
* provisional figures / Source: Eurostat (12% less than in 2011).

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16 February 2013 No. 208

 THE LATEST ON...

© Denis Loeillet A large promotion campaign

for PGI 'Melon de Guadeloupe'
Producers in Guadeloupe and Martinique started the
PGI process to increase the value of their crop in
2008, after losing export market shares, especially in
Europe, because labour is more expensive than in
the other counter-season sources. Guadeloupe PGI
melon was recognised officially by the European
Commission in March 2012 and will be in the lime-
light once again this year, with a large promotion
c a m p a i g n wi t h t h e s l o ga n ' I l y a m e l o n e t
melon' (literally 'There's melon and melon'), financed
by the European community. And to make the PGI
known at the retail store level, 70 days of tasting will
be organised in supermarkets and superstores
throughout France from the end of February to April,
orchestrated by hostesses wearing West Indian col-
ours. The potential should be around 1 800 t of the
6 000 t produced in Guadeloupe and of which some
4 000 t is exported each year.

Furthermore, a small export current should continue

from the Dominican Republic, where production runs
from December to March, with about 800-900 t im-
ported to the EU each year.

The area under Charentais

Increased melon is expected to
potential decrease in Morocco
in Senegal The situation has become a little difficult in Morocco
in the last two season between a large number of
Imports from Senegal increased further, reaching sellers, with some running out of steam after several
11 200 t in the 2011-12 season, and foreign inves- seasons, and particularly difficult weather conditions
tors are showing increased interest in this production that have seriously affected returns for certain enter-
source. In fact, everything started with French and prises. Thus, even if Charentais production potential
Spanish investments to provide counter-season sup- could be the same as last year's, given the small
ply for the European market. These entrepreneurs yields especially in sheltered production, the areas
have now been joined by other structures also spe- could decrease significantly this season. This will
cialised in melon production all the year round and probably be the case at Agadir but will be seen
who have chosen—some only since 2012—to switch above all around Marrakesh where professionals talk
their end-of-year supplies from the West Indies to in terms of a decrease of some 15 to 20%, with
Senegal as the melon crop is often exposed to unfa- some even mentioning 30%. Nevertheless, the po-
vourable weather in the tropics at this time of the tential tends to be up at the beginning of the season,
year. However, recent developments involve above with an increase in areas in the Dakhla zone. The
all a large Brazilian firm that signed an agreement first arrivals were expected in February, with an in-
with the Senegalese state in 2011. The agreement crease at the end of February-beginning of March
concerns the implementation of a three-year agricul- when all the operators in the region are harvesting.
tural investment programme with emphasis on the The 'Magenta' variety is that most grown in Morocco
identification and availability of about 600 ha of agri- in terms of area. Research is currently being con-
cultural land. Annual melon production is already ducted on Charentais varieties with shorter cycles
200 000 tonnes, of which 70% is for the British, and whose taste and keeping qualities are compara-
Dutch, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese markets. The ble to those of 'Magenta'. They could also provide
Brazilian company seeks to strengthen its presence the same flexibility in terms of cultural practices as
on the European market and explore new destina- the variety can be grown both trained in the Dakhla
tions such as Dubai, Singapore, Turkey and Russia. greenhouses, flat in open fields or under tunnels
Its exports already reached 320 tonnes on a trial
basis in the 2011-12 season, but strong develop- Cécilia Céleyrette, Consultant
ment is expected from this season onwards. c.celeyrette@infofruit.fr

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No. 208 February 2013 17

 ensemble together

Agropolis International is Agropolis International—in addition to its role as an international scientific platform
an association created in 1986 oriented towards Mediterranean and developing countries—is a forum for
by French research and higher interactions between numerous stakeholders and open to all partners involved in
rural and economic development.
education institutions in Montpellier
and Languedoc-Roussillon region Agropolis International is an original pivotal point for collective exchange and
that are totally or partly focused partnership building. Agropolis—4 key features:
on agriculture, food, biodiversity
A portal providing easy access to
and environmental issues.
„ expertise and skills of the regional scientific community
„ documentary resources

A place for building national and international partnerships

„ hosting external laboratories of foreign organizations
„ setting up programmes for visiting delegations and supporting international
conferences and colloquia

A go-between and support for collective projects

„ implementation, coordination and management of inter-institutional projects with
national and international scope
„ interfacing with agricultural and economic development stakeholders
„ promotion of the regional scientific community

A service management tool

„ assistance for guest researchers and professors (Euraxess Centre - Languedoc-Roussillon)
„ organization of meetings, in situ and ex situ scientific events

together. With 47 associated

members, including 28 scientific
institutions, 5 local authorities and
numerous rural and economic
development stakeholders,
Agropolis International is an
original pivotal point for collective
exchange and partnership building.

Agropolis International
Avenue Agropolis
Contenu publié par l’Observatoire des Marchés du CIRAD − Toute reproduction interdite
34394 Montpellier C EDEX 5 France
www.agropolis.fr • www.agropolis.org • www.agropolis.org/es
m.agropolis.fr
 A report by
Pierre Gerbaud

Contents B etter known in processed form than fresh, pas-

sion fruit is nevertheless a key member of the
range of exotic fruits. It is sold both by fruiterers
p. 20 The European passion fruit
market: a growing market and supermarkets and is always noticed by shop-
pers. Its appearance varies according to type or va-
p. 32 Selling passion fruit in Europe:
riety and a varied range is found on the European
a trend towards varietal markets: purple passion fruit, yellow passion fruit,
diversification
sweet granadilla, banana passion fruit, etc. The ap-
pearance of the fruit is often not very attractive and
Cultivation
p. 37
of passion fruit
the pulp scattered with hard seeds is not very even
but passion fruit has powerful and incomparable
p. 38 Main varieties
aromas that form the foundation of its success. Far
of passion fruit from being minor, trade in the fruit is growing
steadily. The cultivation and sale of hybrid fruits for
© Guy Bréhinier
the last few years enhances this silent growth.

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No. 208 February 2013 19

 CLOSE-UP

The European passion fruit market

A growing market

Lack of reliable and continuous statistical

data means that it is difficult to make a
quantitative evaluation of the passion fruit
market in Europe. Examination of the
volumes exported by the most representative
sources of the fruit leads to
estimating European imports at
between 5 000 and 7 000 tonnes
per year. Even though they are
approximate, these data
reveal market growth
via the diversity of
the varieties
available and the
appearance of
new supplier
countries in
recent years.

© Guy Bréhinier

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20 February 2013 No. 208

 CLOSE-UP

Varieties
in tandem
Passion fruit with sources
Distribution of world production
The name 'passion fruit' covers different varie-
ties or types of fruits that generally correspond
to given production zones. Thus the main pro-
Peru ducer countries exporting passion fruits to the
Asia 2% European markets are usually characterised by
3% Others the type of fruit exported.
6%
The main suppliers of purple passion fruit
(Passiflora edulis Sims) to the European market
are Kenya, South Africa and Colombia. Other
Colom bia
countries such as Zimbabwe and Burundi also
11% export these fruits but irregularly and in smaller
quantities.
Ecuador Brazil
12%
Yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis flavi-
66% carpa) is found more rarely on the European
markets. It is shipped mainly from Thailand and
Colombia.

Sweet granadilla (Passiflora ligularis) is a speci-

ality of Colombia, which seems to be the only
export source.

Hybrid passion fruit has been seen increasingly

on European markets for a few years now. Sev-
Source: Natural Juice Products Association
eral sources seem to have developed this type
of produce, and especially Réunion, Israel,
Thailand, South Africa and Vietnam. Hybrid
passion fruits are bred by crossing purple Pas-
siflora edulis and Passiflora flavicarpa varieties.
This single or multiple crossing gives the hybrid
fruits different colour, endocarp thickness and
pulp flavour features.

Production
is difficult
to evaluate
For lack of reliable statistics, it is difficult to
draw up a precise panorama of world distribu-
tion of passion fruit production. The fruit can be
grown potentially throughout the tropical and
possibly subtropical zones. It is well known in
the tropics, where it is grown on various scales
for local requirements—both fresh and proc-
essed. Regional trade should also be taken into
account, especially in South American coun-
tries where there seem to be large quantities of
passion fruit-based processed products.

According to the Juice Products Association,

world passion fruit production was some
640 000 tonnes at the beginning of the 2000s.

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No. 208 February 2013 21

 CLOSE-UP

China seems to be the main producer country

in Asia. It is not visible in the international fresh
passion fruit trade as domestic demand is
strong and it is remote from Western consump-
tion centres. In contrast, other Asian countries
whose production is poorly evaluated have re-
cently turned to exporting fresh passion fruit.
The countries concerned are Thailand, Vietnam
and, to a lesser degree, Malaysia.

The main producer countries in Africa are

Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and to a
smaller extent Burundi and Rwanda. These
countries export part of their fresh fruit produc-
tion while the rest is for the domestic market
and processing. The great majority of African
sources grow purple passion fruit for fresh ex-
ports. Only South Africa has gradually devel-
oped the production of hybrid passion fruit and
these now form most of the exports from this
source.

In a general manner, most of the crop in Latin

American producer countries consists of yellow
© Carolina Dawson passion fruit. The reason is the importance of
the processing industry where this variety is
preferred. Colombia is the only exception with
purple and yellow passion fruit and sweet
The figure is a useful indication but is only for
granadilla, a fresh export speciality from this
yellow passion fruit, that is to say Passiflora
source.
edulis flavicarpa. This basic figure should there-
fore be increased to allow for the other varieties
grown. Current world production could be esti- Production in Asian countries is focused on
mated to be between 700 000 and 800 000 purple varieties (and hybrids) for export fresh.
tonnes. It also seems that production varies Only Thailand exports limited quantities of yel-
considerably from one year to the next in the low passion fruit.
different producer countries, and especially in
Latin American countries where a large propor-
tion of the crop is processed. The variation re-
sults from the fluctuation of passion fruit juice
prices as this acts as a greater or lesser incen-
tive for growers.

Brazil is by far the largest producer in the world

with about 450 000 tonnes a year. The increase
in domestic consumption in recent years and
the increased focus of production on the proc-
essing industry mean that Brazil is not very
active on the international market for fresh pas-
sion fruit and even imports produce. The coun-
try is only involved in the international market
for processed products (concentrated juice).
Ecuador is reported to be the second-largest
producer country, selling mainly processed
products and with only marginal exports of
fresh fruits. Colombia comes third, operating on
both the fresh and processed markets. It is
probably the only South American country that
still plays an important role in the supply of
fresh fruits, especially for the European mar-
kets. As in Brazil, most of Peruvian production
is processed and exports of fresh produce are
marginal.

© Eric Imbert

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22 February 2013 No. 208

 CLOSE-UP

Unravelling
© Guy Bréhinier

European import
statistics

Examination of available statistics and information in

which passion fruit is mentioned first shows that the
main producer countries are not necessarily the
main exporters of fresh fruits. The largest production
is seen in Latin America where domestic trade is
dominant and where processing is more important
than fresh fruit for export. Only Colombia has spe-
cialised in the export of fresh fruits, especially to
Europe, for many years.

In fact, there are no reliable, continuous statistics for

passion fruit. It is generally mixed with other fruits
considered as being of minor importance in interna-
tional trade and so accurate evaluation of trade
flows is particularly difficult. Eurostat—EU import
statistics— is one of the most reliable sources. The
data for the last decade (2000 à 2010) make it pos-
sible to evaluate the volumes from the main sources
of supply and the movement of total volumes arriv-
ing in the EU. From 2000 to 2007, customs code
08109040 covered passion fruit, carambola and
pitahaya. It is possible to approach the reality of the
passion fruit market alone by reducing the data con-
cerning the countries specialised in carambola and
pitahaya exports.

Passion fruit — European Union — Estimated imports

tonnes 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Colombia 241 193 235 236 434 2 155 1 008 1 133 1 149 1 257 1 657 1 722
Vietnam 49 63 74 123 124 160 396 464 899 937 1 378 1 385
Kenya 669 684 791 1 178 1 141 850 850 1 032 845 634 779 763
S. Africa 148 214 167 212 329 638 477 404 515 427 623 755
Zimbabwe 971 842 857 567 413 545 620 589 866 832 957 724
Ghana 2 29 2 2 23 8 26 61 96 181 311 535
Thailand 22 33 42 107 155 180 225 301 321 330 550 385
Israel 79 113 113 122 251 367 489 371 305 317 311 260
Malaysia 174 180 168 160 169 162 151 158 138 123 114 104
Uganda 4 4 5 13 19 20 44 50 41 30 19 21
Burundi 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 11 16 17 21
India 0 1 2 1 16 0 11 8 83 141 11 13
Cameroon 0 6 1 2 7 8 10 15 11 13 10 12
Peru 1 6 14 0 1 1 8 18 18 3 13 7
Brazil 15 12 15 19 5 10 8 14 41 12 141 5
Sri Lanka 11 1 5 0 2 2 5 9 7 3 3 4
Ecuador 69 55 64 100 199 25 37 33 49 48 51 -
Indonesia 10 3 13 4 0 1 2 17 5 5 5 -
Rwanda 6 11 3 9 0 2 1 3 4 1 1 -
Total 2 488 2 450 2 570 2 856 3 290 5 133 4 369 4 683 5 404 5 310 6 951 6 716
Source: EUROSTAT, code 08109040 until 2007, 08109020 after 2007

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 CLOSE-UP

Imports
increasing

These data show the steady increase of

European passion fruit imports in the last
decade, with 2005 omitted. Indeed, 2005 was
not coherent in comparison with the whole
because Kenyan exports were overestimated
or because of unidentified events. Colombia
is seen to be the main supplier of the EU,
with exports increasing in recent years. Viet-
nam is a remarkable case of supplier of pas-
sion fruit that has emerged in the last five
© Guy Bréhinier

years. Zimbabwe, Kenya, Thailand and South

Africa also display positive trends with occa-
sional fluctuations. Israel and Malaysia are
stable. The figures shown also confirm that,
allowing for the sources, the evolution of
European imports is based on purple passion
fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims), the preferred
variety on the fresh passion fruit market.
However, Asian fruits are different in that they
In 2008, customs code 08109040 was re- tend to be hybrids with large fruits.
placed by 08109020 which now, in addition to
code 08109040, groups tamarind, cashew According to the corrected data, the main
apple, jackfruit, litchi and sapodilla. This suppliers of passion fruit to the EU are as
makes it even more difficult to focus on the follows, in descending order by volume: Co-
passion fruit market. The change has hardly lombia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Vietnam, South
any effect for certain countries like Kenya Africa, Israel, Thailand and Malaysia.
whose exports to Europe consist mainly of
passion fruit. The same applies to Zimbabwe,
Ecuador and Peru.

For other sources, it is more difficult to esti- A regular

mate the volumes of passion fruit in compari-
son with those of other fruits covered by the calendar
customs code. However, knowledge of sup-
pliers' specialisations can be used to make The main sources supplying the European
coherent corrections. Thus, the share of pas- market are active throughout the year, profit-
sion fruit in volumes reported for Malaysia is ing from more intense production and distinct
very small because exports consist mainly of production zones. In contrast, South Africa
carambola. Colombia ships a substantial pro- and Israel display more marked seasonality
portion of passion fruit but the country also because of the siting of the crops and more
ships significant quantities of fruits like pi- marked climatic variations. The two countries
tahaya. South Africa is traditionally a passion are strictly speaking on the margin of the
fruit exporter, with coherent figures up to tropics, which is more favourable for passion
2007. However, it also ships large quantities fruit production.
of litchis and this affects post-2007 statistics.
Passion fruits are exported from Israel, Thai- The calendar of the presence of passion fruit
land and Vietnam but they also ship other on the European markets remains a general
fruits (pitahaya, litchi, etc.). The other sources approach. A more precise calendar has been
export only small quantities that would not drawn up as for the volumes actually im-
affect the general trend of trade flows. ported to the European Union. To smooth any
import peaks, the data used are based on
We therefore deduct the quantities of litchis corrected statistical averages for 2005 to
and modulate volumes in the light of what we 2007. The only figures used were those for
know about flows to be able to propose fig- the main sources supplying the European
ures that seem closer to the reality of the market: Colombia, Kenya, Malaysia, Thai-
market, even if they give only a partial, non- land, Vietnam, South Africa, Zimbabwe and
guaranteed image. Israel.

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 CLOSE-UP

The calendar shows that imports are fairly stable at

between 300 and 400 tonnes per month, except in
Passion fruit — EU-27 — Supply calendar January, February, July and September, when ton-
by producer country
nages are a little smaller. In contrast, an import peak is
observed in December caused by atypical demand for
J F M A M J J A S O N D the Christmas and New Year festivities, as is seen for
all exotic fruits. The fact that the main sources supply-
Colombia
ing the European market have year-round production
Kenya means that this steady supply is possible, even if pro-
duction in one country or another may display quanti-
Malaysia tative variations (periods of rain or drought).
Thailand

Vietnam

S. Africa
The Netherlands—hub
Israel
of the European market
As for much tropical and counter-season produce, the
main markets are the large world centres formed by
Passion fruit - EU-27
North America, Europe in the broad sense of the term
Supply calendar
and Japan. It is true that the emerging countries are
also important consumption centres but they are often
600 producers too and cover their own requirements or
import from neighbouring countries. This applies to
Brazil and China.
500
The United States is also a special case. Passion fruit
400 is grown , mainly in California and Florida and this
covers most of the fresh fruit requirements of the
country. Complementary supply to cover demand is
tonnes

300 from South American countries such as Ecuador.

200 For the reasons mentioned above, it is difficult to

gauge the real state of the European passion fruit mar-
ket. Although it was possible to correct the statistics of
100 the sources supplying he European market, the ques-
tion of imports by EU member state is much more
complicated. In order to approach general trends
0
rather than real flows, it is proposed to remove litchi
J F M A M J J A S O N D from customs code 08109020 as we have a fair knowl-
edge of the volumes involved.
Source: Eurostat

The movement of European imports represented in

this way indicates a steady increase in the last decade
but without any notable acceleration. This growth can
be identified with that of numerous small exotics
whose flows increase proportionally to that of the
population and to better knowledge of such produce
among consumers.

The Netherlands dominates in imports by country. It

can be confirmed that over a ten-year period it im-
ported 60 to 70% of the European tonnages of the
produce concerned. Once again, the addition of litchi
and other minor fruits from 2008 onwards markedly
disturbs the general trend. However, knowledge of the
market makes it possible to affirm that even in recent
years the role of the Netherlands is at an equivalent
level to that of the beginning of the decade. It is fol-
lowed by a group of three countries—France, the UK
and Germany—whose direct imports of passion fruit
© Guy Bréhinier

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No. 208 February 2013 25

 CLOSE-UP

and other small exotics are around 8 to 12%. The statis-

tical disturbances of recent years considerably increase
the French market share. This is easily explained by the
Passion fruit - European Union fact that litchis, especially from Madagascar, are almost
Evolution of im ports exclusively imported by French companies. The bal-
ance of around 10% is imported by the other European
countries, with Italy and Spain at the top of the list. The
8
other countries import only very small quantities directly.

7 Study of intra-community trade shows the role played

by the Netherlands as a logistic and trade hub. It im-
6 ports large quantities of passion fruit and small exotics
as a result of its trading tradition and also for logistic
reasons. The Netherlands is a hub for numerous air-
000 tonnes

5 lines and it has the main European ports. It has a logis-

tic and trade hinterland that is particularly effective for
4 supplying European countries. Thus at least 50 to 60%
of imports of the produce concerned is re-exported to
neighbouring European countries, with small quantities
3 shipped to more remote countries. This results in ex-
tremely small apparent consumption in the country. The
same applies to the United Kingdom, France and Ger-
2
many, which import nearly a thousand tonnes of pas-
sion fruit each year but where real consumption is
1 smaller.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011

Classic supply patterns are seen, such as the flow from

the United Kingdom to Eire, whose direct imports are
Source: Eurostat - corrected data practically nil. France re-exports around 20% of import
volumes, mainly to its European neighbours to the north
and the south. Germany displays the same profile but in
a more intense manner as most of its imports appear to
be reshipped to neighbouring countries. The Nether-
lands plays a central role as passion fruit supplier in
these intra-community flows. Denmark should be high-
lighted as an exception as its imports of nearly 500 ton-
nes per year are supplied almost exclusively by other
European countries (Netherlands, Germany, France).
Far from being one of the European countries with the
highest consumption, it exports a large proportion of the
volumes to the other Scandinavian countries (Sweden,
Norway, Finland, etc.).

Consumption of
fresh passion fruit
is still small
In this context of trade between states, it is difficult to
identify the main passion fruit consuming countries.
With the exception of the special case of the Nether-
lands, it seems logical to assign greater consumption to
the countries that import noteworthy quantities and re-
export only a minor share—France and the United King-
dom for example. However that may be, European con-
sumption of passion fruit as a whole or in distribution by
country seems small, and is estimated at a few tens of
grams per person per year. It is therefore negligible in
countries that do not take delivery of the fruits, as in
Eastern Europe for example.

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 CLOSE-UP

Fresh passion fruit is thus not very common on the

European markets, even though it is a key item in the
range of exotic fruits. Its somewhat unattractive exter-
nal appearance and shoppers' lack of knowledge Passion fruit - EU-27 - Distribution of extra
about it undeniably slow consumption. Furthermore, European im ports in volum e
consumer might not like the pulp that contains hard
seeds. Passion fruit is often used to enhance the 100%
flavour of a fruit salad and not as a traditional fruit
and this also limits consumption. Its major asset is 90%
the incomparable aroma that explains its success as
a processed product. 80%

70%

60%

50%
Different prices 40%
according
to variety
30%

20%
Analysis of passion fruit prices is based on the whole- 10%
sale prices published by ITC/MNS, the only regular
source providing a sufficiently broad historic base for 0%

2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
identifying a few market trends. In order to under-
stand the diversity of the market, we examine the
prices of sweet granadilla from Colombia and of pur- Netherlands France UK
ple passion fruit from Kenya. This is performed on the Germany Belgium Others
Dutch market because of its size.
Source: Eurostat
The prices of Colombian fruits are high and distinc-
tion is made between three periods during the last
seven years. Particularly high prices from 2005 to
2007 displayed considerable variation according to Passion fruit - EU-27 - Distribution of intra
the supply period. Supply was small and so prices European im ports in volum e
were markedly volatile. In addition, the periods of
strongest demand (the Christmas period for example)
100%
accentuated price differences. Greater stability was
observed from 2008 to 2010 and this was accompa- 90%
nied by a decrease in sales average that varied from
EUR 6.00 to 7.00 per kg and did not reach previous 80%
heights. However, the general trend for the period 70%
was that of an increase in prices. Finally, the end of
2010 and the beginning of 2011 were marked by a 60%
return to higher prices but the situation was more 50%
variable according to arrivals.
40%
In comparison, the prices of fruits from Kenya dis- 30%
played a different pattern. First, price levels were
lower overall, which can be explained by larger sup- 20%
ply. Indeed, the trade niche of purple passion fruit is 10%
much larger than that of sweet granadilla from Co-
lombia. In addition, the approach costs are lower for 0%
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010

Kenyan fruits than for Colombian produce. Prices

increased from 2007 to 2009 whereas they were
lower before and after this period. Volumes received Netherlands France Spain
and prices should be compared to identify variations Belgium Germany Others
in supply and demand.
Source: Eurostat
Overall, an upward trend in the price of Colombian
fruits and stagnation of prices of those for Kenyan
produce were observed.

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No. 208 February 2013 27

 CLOSE-UP

© Denis Loeillet
Yellow passion fruit from Colom bia
Monthly w holesale price in the Netherlands

9.50

9.00

8.50

8.00
euro/kg

7.50

7.00

6.50

6.00

5.50

5.00
Many factors
janv.-05

janv.-06

janv.-07

janv.-08

janv.-09

janv.-10

janv.-11

janv.-12

weigh on price
formation
Source: ITC-MNS
Cumulating prices over a period of several
years makes it possible to plot a sales profile of
the fruit. A decrease in prices is thus observed
in the summer when demand is generally
Purple passion fruit from Kenya smaller and sometimes limited by a decrease
Monthly w holesale price in the Netherlands in supply. Price fluctuations are also linked with
fruit availability and quality. The variation in the
prices of the two types of fruit studied were
5.50
substantial according to supply volumes and
sales periods.

5.00
Selling prices of passion fruit obviously depend
on overall supply on the European market, the
period of sales and also the cost price of the
4.50 goods. Air freight rates form much of the cost
euro/kg

of the produce delivered in Europe. Purple

fruits from Colombia are mainly shipped by
4.00 sea, limiting transport costs and increasing
competitiveness with regard to fruits shipped
by air. However, sea transport requires the
3.50 mobilisation of large volumes and this can
change sales conditions on the destination
markets. Paradoxically, it seems that purple
passion fruit from Colombia keeps longer dur-
3.00
ing sea transport than as air freight because
janv.-05

janv.-06

janv.-07

janv.-08

janv.-09

janv.-10

janv.-11

janv.-12

outer packaging (plastic bags) is used. This

keeps the fruits in a modified atmosphere that
lengthens its life, not only during sea transport
but also during sales operations. It is easy to
Source: ITC-MNS understand the attraction of this source (large,
regular volumes on the one hand and length of
life on the other) for European supermarket
chains.

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Exports of fresh fruits from countries strongly

involved in the processing sector also play an
essential role. The international market for proc-
Passion fruit - Netherlands essed passion fruit fluctuates greatly and when
Annual w holesale price prices dip because of over-supply, there is a
strong tendency to deliver the fruits to the fresh
market. The sudden increase in supply then
9.50
takes the fresh market into a downward spiral.
purple from Kenya Conversely, when prices of processed passion
8.50 fruit products rise because of under-supply of
yellow from Colombia
raw material, this increase spreads rapidly to the
7.50 fresh fruit market. This knock-on effect between
processed products and fresh produce is impor-
euro/kg

tant for the business but unfortunately it is only

6.50 visible afterwards.

5.50
The exchange rate is another more volatile fea-
ture that can be involved in selling prices. In
4.50 some cases, the possible gain from the ex-
change rate can considerably increase or de-
3.50 crease the competitiveness of fruits from one
source or another in comparison with the compe-
2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

tition. The revaluation of the Colombian currency

is a recent example. It affected the competitive-
Source: ITC-MNS ness of the produce shipped.

Purple fruits popular

in Europe

Demand on the European markets is focused

more on purple fruits. The more acid yellow fruits
seem to be less appreciated and sweet grana-
dilla forms a minority market segment occupied
solely by Colombia and concerning very limited
quantities. The packaged fruits must be homoge-
neous, whether packed loose or in layers. This
criterion is a question of commonsense but is not
always respected. Homogeneity concerns mainly
fruit colour and size. They should be smooth and
not wrinkled (the effect of advanced maturity).
They should have as few defects as possible
(stains, impacts, damage, etc.). Size should not
be too small, that is to say the diameter should
exceed 50 mm. The aromatic aspects are sub-
jective and it is difficult to make comparisons
between the different sources. However, Kenya
seems to have a good image in this respect.

As a general rule, a few basic trends can be

©G
uy
Bré
seen according to produce type. Purple fruits of
hin
ier
limited size are generally packaged loose. How-
ever, this fruit type is also found in produce pre-
packaged for consumers (bag, punnet, etc.). The
larger the fruits, the more packaging is in card-
board trays with one layer of produce. This type
of produce is also used for more sophisticated
presentation: nests, individual wrapping, stickers,
etc.

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No. 208 February 2013 29

 CLOSE-UP

Distinction is thus made between a certain mar-

ket segmentation and this results in more or
less sophisticated packaging. However, seg-
Yellow passion fruit from Colom bia mentation is still vague as it only applies to
Monthly w holesale price in the Netherlands limited quantities of produce. For example,
fruits from Thailand and Vietnam are large but
generally packed loose.
9.50
m ax
In some cases passion fruit is repacked at the
9.00
importer stage in packaging with the importer's
brand. This trend seems to have developed in
8.50 recent years. In other cases packaging under
the importer's brand is performed in the source
8.00 country. The system depends on the trade rela-
tions and partnership between shippers and
euro/kg

importers.
7.50

average Progress by Asian countries (especially Malay-

7.00
sia and Vietnam) on European markets has
been observed in recent years. These sources
6.50 export mainly hybrid fruits that are larger than
purple fruits and often paler
6.00
m in Pierre Gerbaud, Consultant
5.50 pierregerbaud@hotmail.com
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Period: 2010-2011-2012 / Source: ITC-MNS

Purple passion fruit from Kenya

Monthly w holesale price in the Netherlands

5.50

5.30

5.10
m ax
4.90
euro/kg

4.70

4.50

4.30
average
4.10

3.90
m in
3.70
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Period: 2010-2011-2012 / Source: ITC-MNS

© Eric Imbert

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30 February 2013 No. 208

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© Guy Bréhinier
Colombia: the main supplier of Colombian exports as batches can be shipped by
sea, keep approach costs down and thus increasing
of the European market the competitiveness of the fruits on destination mar-
kets. However, the use of sea transport is currently
With nearly 2 000 tonnes of passion fruit exported to an obstacle to the progress of exports. Transport and
Europe, Colombia has gradually conquered a market transit costs are tending to increase, affecting the
that used to draw most of its supply from sources in competitiveness of Colombian fruits. The production
southern Africa. Purple passion fruit developed from zones are far from ports (a thousand kilometres) and
African strains rapidly became the spearhead of Co- so local transport weighs heavily in the cost price of
lombian exports. However, the originality of the coun- the produce. In order to overcome this problem, new
try also lies in the fact that it has conserved other plantations are laid out in zones closer to the Carib-
types such as yellow passion fruit and sweet grana- bean coast to reduce the time and cost of local trans-
dilla. These three varieties result in a varied range port. This change will take time and investment as
likely to interest European distribution channels, es- passion fruit is grown in fields specially developed
pecially during the Christmas period. with concrete, wood or bamboo posts for tying up the
lianas that are often under plastic shelters to maintain
Purple passion fruit is particularly well-suited to the moisture conditions suitable for the growth of the
soil and climate conditions of the Colombian pla- fruits.
teaux. Grown in a broad strip between Bogota and
Medellín, the crop rises above the coffee zones at an The varietal diversification observed on the European
elevation of between 1 800 and 2 300 m. This zone markets is also a new challenge for Colombian pro-
benefits from steady temperatures and day/night ducers and exporters. The increase in European im-
alternance that allow the fruit to be grown all the year ports of hybrid fruits is encouraging professionals to
round. The spread of plantations since the early plant and develop this new type of crop. Here again,
2000s has favoured the steady increase in exports. time is needed to selected the varieties best-suited to
Purple passion fruits from Colombia are often larger local conditions and to take production to a point that
than competing fruits from Africa, their flavour is justifies an export flow, first by air and then perhaps
sweeter and they have better keeping qualities. The by sea. It can be seen that Colombia is determined to
latter aspect has been essential in the development maintain its leading position as regards passion fruit.

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No. 208 February 2013 31

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Selling passion fruit in Europe

A trend towards varietal diversification

Complementing the range of tropical fruits available to

European consumers, passion fruit has become the
prerogative of several source countries that have
specialised in production and trade over the years.
However, the market balance is delicate as
consumption is growing slowly in the face of
increasingly abundant and varied supply.

Distribution
channel
The distribution channel for passion
fruits, and for other small exotics is
still traditional in most European
countries. The exporter collects fruits
from growers or picks his own crop.
After sorting and packing, the pro-
duce is shipped to an importer who
handles sales either to wholesalers
or to supermarket chain purchase
© Guy Bréhinier

centres. Few supermarket chains in

continental Europe purchase directly
at production or from exporters. As
passion fruit is considered more as a
complement to the range, the distri-
bution channel is classic. A few im-
port companies are involved in pro-
duction and this allows better mas-
tery of supply and also of produce
quality.

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© Pierre Gerbaud

Yellow passion fruits (Passiflora flavicarpa)

are generally packed in the same cardboard
trays that are used for the purple type. They
may be film-covered to slow senescence.

Sweet granadilla fruits (Passiflora ligularis) are

exported packed in a single layer in 39 x 28 x
9 cm cardboard trays. They generally have
individual outer packing; this is either polysty-
rene sleeving or cardboard separators isolat-
ing each fruit.

Thailand

Purple passion fruit Two different types of packaging are used.

from Colombia The first type is a 34 x 26 x 11.5 cm box
closed and sealed with adhesive type. Each
box contains 2 kg net. Two sheets of paper
laid crosswise in the upper part of the box limit
Trade
evapotranspiration. The second type is 30 x
21 x 25 cm polystyrene packaging with a lid
practices closed with adhesive tape. The fruits are
placed loose in the packaging and wrapped in
Trade practices for passion fruit are also clas- a sheet of paper. A bag of ice is sometimes
sic. Apart from integrated systems with links to placed above the fruits for better conservation.
retail distributors, these fruits are sold much
like other produce.
Kenya

Kenyan passion fruits are packed in 30 x 21 x

10 cm telescopic boxes with capacity for about
Packaging 48 fruits, net weight 2 kg. Some exporters use
flap boxes of the same size. Extra plastic
The different types of packaging below and packaging is sometimes applied to reduce
shown by source country are provided as evapotranspiration.
a guide and are not exhaustive. Dimensions
are approximate as they were taken under
real conditions using examples that had thus
been subjected to pressure and the moisture
of the product or that result from conditions of
transport.

South Africa
© Pierre Gerbaud
Two types of packaging are used. The first is
a 30 x 34 x 8 cm flap box containing 1.5 kg
net weight of produce in a single layer. The
second is a 28 x 23 x 11 cm flap box contain-
ing 40 fruits, net weight 2 kg. The fruits are
generally wrapped in microperforated film to
prevent desiccation.

Colombia

Passiflora edulis Sims passion fruits are gen-

erally packed in 39 x 28 x 10 cm cardboard
trays with notches to make stacking easier.
Each contains about 16 fruits, net weight 2 kg.
The fruits are first packed in a plastic bag.
Telescopic boxes (35 x 27 x 12 cm) containing
a plastic liner bag are also used.

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No. 208 February 2013 33

 CLOSE-UP
© Pierre Gerbaud

be developing at the expense of loose produce,

the latter being reserved for supermarket sales,
with packaging rarely used on retail shelves. A
few shippers enhance the presentation of fruits
in layers by using nesting packaging, cardboard
separators or individual fruit protection (paper,
polystyrene sleeve, etc.). This is often used for
sweet granadillas from Colombia but is less
frequent for the purple fruits that form the
greater part of European imports.

The packaging used by exporters is generally

palletisable on 100 x 120 cm palettes. Fruits
may be palletised or not for air freight. Pallets
are always used in sea containers.
Yellow passion fruit
from Colombia

Extra packaging
Malaysia Two types of extra packaging are often used for
passion fruit. The first type is to protect the
The fruits are packed in 25 x 32 x 15 cm sealed fruits in the box and generally consists of plastic
boxes, net weight 2kg of fruits. Filmed punnets bags, microperforated or not, or simple sheets
are sometimes used in units of 4 punnets each of microperforated or other film, or sheets of
containing 5 fruits. paper crossed in the packaging and drawn over
the fruits. These types of protection limit
evapotranspiration and enhance conservation.
Vietnam Fruits are sometimes packaged individually in
film. This is common practice among Colom-
Two types of packing are generally used. The bian exporters but now seems to have been
first is a 31 x 23 x 13 cm telescopic cardboard replaced by plastic bags for the whole of the
box containing 2 kg net and in which the fruits contents of the box. When inappropriate or
are packed loose in plastic bags. The second is poorly designed, individual fruit wrapping
a 40 x 30 x 8 cm telescopic cardboard box for 2 causes asphyxia. Conservation is better with
kg net weight, that is to say about 20 fruits. batch packaging.
Here, the fruits are in a single layer.
The second type of extra packaging is in fact for
Zimbabwe the commercial presentation of the fruits. There
are many options here and they generally follow
Purple passion fruits from Zimbabwe are usu- the desires of those receiving the produce. The
ally packed in 28 x 25 x 11 cm flap boxes. The
fruits are in a plastic bag in the box.

Other sources

Other types of packing are also used in other

producer countries. For example, the passion
fruits (maracujas) shipped from Martinique are
packed in the same boxes as those used for
bananas. In Réunion, the 40 x 30 x 11 cm trays
are those used for 'Victoria' pineapple and li-
tchis. The fruits are packed in a single layer or
sometimes have outer packing consisting of two
plastic bags containing 2 x 2 kg.

Packing for passion fruits generally holds 2 kg

net weight of produce, whether this is loose or
in layers. Layers in cardboard trays with or with-
out a lid improve presentation of the fruits. This
type of packaging and presentation seems to
© Pierre Gerbaud

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34 February 2013 No. 208

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© Pierre Gerbaud
most common type is bags containing a vari-
able number of fruits (3, 4 or 6) and filmed pun-
nets or clear plastic boxes that generally con-
tain 4 or 6 fruits. If they are retail sales units,
the boxes or punnets must display the regula-
tion indications and in particular a barcode in
addition to identification of the shipper and re-
cipient. Extra packaging is applied in the source
country or in specialised units in the destination
country. Cut fruit (in two equal halves) in pun-
nets are also available. This is a marginal
method of presentation as the fruits are perish-
able and must be eaten soon. It is generally
performed by traditional retailers according to
customer demand.

Hybrid passion fruit

from Vietnam

Regulations

should be homogeneous in terms of variety,

Quality standard
size and colour. Information about the nature of
the produce and possibly the variety, origin and
Passion fruit has not been subjected to any
identification of the shipper should be provided
specific trade standard to date. The Codex Ali-
on the packaging. This information must be
mentarius is currently drafting a standard for
grouped on the front of the box and be in visi-
'golden passion fruits' (Passiflora ligularis Juss)
ble, indelible print in an EU language.
(sweet granadilla) that should be published in
the coming years. In the absence of a specific
standard, the framework standards of the Euro- Any addition to produce such as wrappers,
pean Union and/or of EC/UNO apply to imports stickers, etc. must be made of substances
to Europe. The standards are similar to those (paper, glue, etc.) that are compatible with hu-
drawn up for other tropical fruits such as mango man consumption. Extra packaging must have
and avocado, to which reference can be made. specific marking specifying the identification of
the importer and must bear a barcode on units
intended for consumers.
In any case, fruits exported to Europe must
meet basic requirements. They must be sound
and whole, free of pests, moisture and abnor-
Customs dues and taxes
mal odours. The fruits in the same packaging
Sources exporting passion fruits to Europe are
exempted from the payment of customs dues.
They are the subject of preferential tariff agree-
ments governed by several types of interna-
tional bilateral or multilateral agreements.

Like other imported produce, after import pas-

sion fruits are subject to the regime of the desti-
nation country.

Phytosanitary aspects

The aim of phytosanitary regulations is to pre-

vent the contamination of crops in the importing
country by harmful insects, bacteria or fungi.

Passion fruits are subjected to phytosanitary

inspection at entry to the European Union. A
phytosanitary certificate is issued by the com-
petent authorities in the source country (Annex
V, Part B, Clause 3 of Directive 2000/29/CE). It
must be duly completed and validated by an
© Pierre Gerbaud

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Traceability
© Pierre Gerbaud

Regulations have been drafted at the European

level to ensure the innocuousness of foodstuffs
and to be able to find the source in case of an
incident. Regulation 178/2002 specifies that
traceability procedures must cover each stage
in the chain. Traceability may be simple or more
sophisticated, in particular by the use of the
EAN 128 international code. In all cases, a
package must bear a specific code that traces
the history of the product/produce from produc-
tion to retail distribution.

Organic foods

The market share of 'organic' foods is growing

Maracuja
and can be a trade opportunity for producer
from Martinique
countries.

official stamp and bear no deletions or additions

that would cause it to be invalid. Organic produce/products are governed by
Council Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 'on organic
European Directive 2004/102/EC is applied production of agricultural products and indica-
when passion fruits are exported to Europe on tions referring thereto on agricultural products
wooden pallets. It requires conformity with FAO and foodstuffs'. This type of production allows
standard 15 on the treatment of wood, packag- the affixing of a label subject to certification by
ing and supports using thermal or chemical registered, independent organisations.
methods.

Private regulations
Sanitary aspects
For many years, regulations have usually been
Sanitary regulations concern all the legislation drafted by professional groups and imposed to
aimed at ensuring the innocuousness of food- ensure the innocuousness of produce/products
stuffs for humans and animals. for consumers from the health, environmental
and social points of view. These rules are cov-
The active substances used by producers must ered in certification awarded by third-party bod-
be approved not only by the authorities in the ies in accordance with a previously drafted set
source country but also by the European Union. of references or specifications. Certification is
Council Directive 91/414/EC recapitulates the usually modelled on the HACCP approach and
active substances registered by the EU. Regu- is vertical or horizontal depending on whether
lation EC 1107/2009 lays down the conditions focus is on produce/products or a service. The
for the placing of plant protection products on best-known certification systems are those such
the market. as GlobalGap, SFI and BRC set up by super-
market chains. Service certification is generally
Passion fruits imported to Europe must be in in the form of ISO (International Standard Or-
conformity with the applicable regulations ganisation) standards.
on pesticides, treatment products and possible
additives (wax, etc.) used in the field or after Third country exporters must comply with the
harvesting. The residues levels authorised official regulations as these have force of law.
(MRLs) must not be exceeded, at the risk of Application of certifications is left to their appre-
refusal of the goods. EC regulation 396/2005 ciation. However, they are very important and
lists the MRLs harmonised by the European often essential for the sale of products/produce
Union. Regulation 178/2006 specifies MRLs by by the supermarket chains
crop. Regulation EC 149/2008 groups the sub-
stances for which MRLs are not necessary. Pierre Gerbaud, Consultant
When there is no specific MRL for a substance pierregerbaud@hotmail.com
for a given crop, a default MRL of 0.01 mg/kg is
applied.

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Cultivation
of passion fruit

© Denis Loeillet
P assion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a member of the Passifloraceae fam-
ily. It is known by various names according to type or variety and the
region in which it is grown: passion fruit, granadilla, etc. The fruits of the
various varieties are a different colour when ripe and also differ in size and
shape. The plant is a climber with tendrils and can spread for several tens
of metres. The specific nature of the plant means that training is required
for commercial production, involving substantial investment on setting out
and maintenance. Production starts six to nine months after planting, a
comparatively short period in comparison with other horticultural crops. It
grows best in the tropics and subtropics. Depending on the variety, the
fruits can withstand varying levels of cold and can therefore can be grown
in some highland areas.

Passion fruit is used more for processing than for fresh sales.
© Eric Imbert
Industry has long used this fruit with recognised aromatic quali-
ties. The fruit juice sector, producing single or concentrated
juices, is particularly important. Passion fruit is used both alone
and for the assembly of fruit cocktails. Passion fruit juice is used
in numerous products such as ice cream and bases for dairy
products. The different uses of passion fruit depend on the variety
as the characteristics can be more suitable for processing or for
use fresh.

Only the first three of the five varieties shown are the subject of
serious fresh sales. Estimated quantities involved in European
trade vary markedly according to type and variety. Thus purple
passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is doubtless the most com-
mon type on European markets. Yellow passion fruit (Passiflora
edulis flavicarpa) is seen less frequently and trade in it seems to
have decreased in recent years. The commercial position of
sweet granadilla (Passiflora ligularis) is small in terms of volume
but steady. Giant granadilla and banana passion fruit are mainly
sold locally in the country of production or processed.

In addition to the varieties shown, which are easily identi-

fied, other types of hybrid passion fruits have been the
subject of increasing trade for a number of years. They
have much the same features as purple passion fruits
but are larger; colour ranges from purple to pinkish.

© Guy Bréhinier

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Main varieties
of passion fruit

Passiflora edulis Sims

or purple passion fruit
This variety has small fruits with a purple, brown or violet skin, 4 to 9 cm long
and 4 to 7 cm in diameter, making them almost spherical. The pulp is dark
yellow and contains a scattering of hard green seeds. It forms some 35 to
50% of fruit weight. Yields are estimated to be between 5 and 10 tonnes
per hectare per year. This variety is the subject of regular trade as fresh
fruit. It is the best known variety on European markets.

Passiflora edulis flavicarpa

or yellow passion fruit
The fruits of this variety have bright yellow skins and they are larger than the
purple variety: 6 to 12 cm long and 4 to 7 cm in diameter. They also weight more
at 60 to 150 g. The skin is harder and thicker. Yields are estimated to be from 10
to 25 tonnes per hectare per year and sometimes more. The pulp is similar to that
of the purple variety although it is slightly less aromatic and more acid. The variety
is little sold in the fresh state. However, it is an essential base in the processing
industry.

Passiflora ligularis Passiflora quadrangularis

or sweet granadilla or giant granadilla
The fruits of this variety are pear-shaped This variety is grown in the West Indies
and orange in colour. The skin is thick, and in the northern part of South
containing yellowish green pulp with a America. It has large yellowish
sweet flavour. The variety grows at an green fruits: 20 to 30 cm long and
elevation of between 1 400 and 2 200 m. 10 to 18 cm in diameter. Weight
The yield is estimated to be from 10 to 15 varies from 2 to 4 kg. The pulp is
tonnes per hectare per year. The fruits pale and white to orangey. It is
are sold fresh in small quantities and also sweet and acidulated but its aroma
processed as juice. is less strongly marked than those
of the other varieties mentioned.

Passiflora mollissima
or banana passion fruit
The fruits of this variety resemble straight bananas. They are
oblong, 6 to 10 cm long and 3 to 5 cm in diameter. The fruit enve-
lope is flexible and pale yellow in colour. The fruits weigh 50 to 150 g.
The orangey flesh is not very acid and fragrant but often astringent.

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38 February 2013 No. 208

 WHOLESALE MARKET PRICES IN EUROPE — JANUARY 2013

Wholesale market prices in Europe

January 2013
EUROPEAN UNION — EURO
Germany Belgium France Holland UK
AVOCADO Air TROPICAL DOMINICAN REP. Box 13.00
Sea ARAD ISRAEL Box 6.50
FUERTE ISRAEL Box 6.50 7.15
HASS CHILE Box 9.75 12.00 9.70 12.50
DOMINICAN REP. Box 8.25
ISRAEL Box 9.75 8.65
MEXICO Box 8.50
SPAIN Box 12.00
NOT DETERMINED ISRAEL Box 6.50
PINKERTON ISRAEL Box 6.50 5.38 6.88
Truck FUERTE SPAIN Box 6.55
HASS SPAIN Box 9.75 9.70

BANANA Air RED ECUADOR kg 4.88

SMALL COLOMBIA kg 6.70 6.52
ECUADOR kg 5.67 5.70
Sea SMALL ECUADOR kg 1.70 2.00

CARAMBOLA Air MALAYSIA kg 4.66 5.25 5.03

Sea MALAYSIA kg 3.41

CHAYOTE Sea COSTA RICA kg 1.43

COCONUT Sea COTE D'IVOIRE Bag 10.53 13.25 9.19 16.08

DOMINICAN REP. Bag 19.00
SRI LANKA Bag 13.50 20.10 8.93

DATE Sea MEDJOOL ISRAEL kg 7.60 8.00 7.90 5.84

NOT DETERMINED TUNISIA kg 1.88

EDDOE Sea COSTA RICA kg 2.00 1.57

GINGER Sea BRAZIL kg 1.42 1.80 1.35

CHINA kg 1.35 1.59 1.70 0.94 0.82

GUAVA Air BRAZIL kg 6.00 6.17

THAILAND kg 7.38 7.25

KUMQUAT Air BRAZIL kg 3.97

ISRAEL kg 4.80 3.70 5.96

LIME Air MEXICO kg 4.45

Sea BRAZIL kg 1.83 2.67 2.72 2.81 2.55
MEXICO kg 2.90 2.72

LITCHI Sea MADAGASCAR kg 2.25 2.50 1.30 3.22 3.13

SOUTH AFRICA kg 3.50 1.65 3.85

MANGO Air KENT BRAZIL kg 4.20 4.17

PERU kg 4.33 4.00 4.25
NAM DOK MAI THAILAND kg 7.80
Sea ATKINS BELIZE kg 0.60
BRAZIL kg 0.81 1.25 1.13 0.76
KEITT BRAZIL kg 0.81
ECUADOR kg 1.70
PERU kg 1.70
KENT BRAZIL kg 0.94
ECUADOR kg 1.70
PERU kg 0.88 1.48 1.12 2.13
NOT DETERMINED ECUADOR kg 0.82
SOUTH AFRICA kg 0.89

MANGOSTEEN Air THAILAND kg 9.50 7.72

MANIOC Sea COSTA RICA kg 1.20 1.12

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No. 208 February 2013 39

 WHOLESALE MARKET PRICES IN EUROPE — JANUARY 2013

EUROPEAN UNION — EURO

Germany Belgium France Holland UK
MELON Air CHARENTAIS DOMINICAN REP. kg 4.80
Sea CANTALOUP BRAZIL kg 2.20 1.23
CHARENTAIS BRAZIL kg 2.00 2.70
GALIA BRAZIL kg 1.85 1.55
HONDURAS kg 1.60
HONEY DEW BRAZIL kg 1.35 1.49
COSTA RICA kg 1.05
PIEL DE SAPO BRAZIL kg 1.13
WATERMELON BRAZIL kg 0.64
ISRAEL kg 0.64

PAPAYA Air FORMOSA BRAZIL kg 3.00 3.27

THAILAND kg 4.81
NOT DETERMINED BRAZIL kg 3.64 3.60 3.94 4.09
ECUADOR kg 3.00
Sea FORMOSA BRAZIL kg 3.07
NOT DETERMINED ECUADOR kg 2.00 2.09 1.87

PASSION FRUIT Air NOT DETERMINED COLOMBIA kg 5.00 5.95 5.50 4.17
REUNION kg 8.50
SOUTH AFRICA kg 5.80
PURPLE ISRAEL kg 6.00
KENYA kg 4.50 4.80 4.76
ZIMBABWE kg 4.63
YELLOW COLOMBIA kg 8.38 8.50 8.88
ECUADOR kg 8.38

PERSIMMON Sea ISRAEL kg 1.81 2.05 2.11

PHYSALIS Air PREPACKED COLOMBIA kg 8.25 9.14 7.44

Sea COLOMBIA kg 5.41 5.83 6.34

PINEAPPLE Air SMOOTH CAYENNE BENIN kg 2.10

CAMEROON kg 2.50
VICTORIA MAURITIUS Box 11.50 13.35
MAURITIUS kg 3.65
REUNION kg 4.20
SOUTH AFRICA Box 11.00 11.50 12.07
Sea MD-2 COSTA RICA Box 10.75 11.38 10.03 10.12
COSTA RICA kg 0.95
COTE D'IVOIRE kg 1.05

PITAHAYA Air RED VIET NAM kg 5.83 9.50 6.68

YELLOW COLOMBIA kg 9.00 8.32
ECUADOR kg 9.00

PLANTAIN Sea COLOMBIA kg 1.30 1.02

ECUADOR kg 0.98
JAMAICA kg 1.19

RAMBUTAN Air THAILAND kg 8.00 7.75

VIET NAM kg 9.50 7.75

SAPODILLA Air VIET NAM kg 8.75

SWEET POTATO Sea BRAZIL kg 1.90 1.43

EGYPT kg 0.80
HONDURAS kg 0.83 1.67 0.87
PERU kg 1.08

TAMARILLO Air COLOMBIA kg 6.80 6.89

ECUADOR kg 6.80

YAM Sea BRAZIL kg 1.31

GHANA kg 1.65 1.56

Note: according to grade

These prices are based on monthly information from the Market News Service, International Trade Centre UNCTAD/WTO (ITC), Geneva.
MNS - International Trade Centre, UNCTAD/WTO (ITC), Palais des Nations, 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
T. 41 (22) 730 01 11 / F. 41 (22) 730 09 06

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Contenu publié par l’Observatoire des Marchés du CIRAD − Toute reproduction interdite
 Cycle of Freshness

UNIVEG, your DIRECT connection to the field

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