French market, June 2004 : indicators. Banana, avocado, orange, grapefruit, litchi, mango west African season

Banana: Performance was acceptable. The average price was up slightly in spite of supplies that were normal for the season. Comparatively low temperatures had a doubly positive effect by limiting competition from stone fruits and maintaining the level of banana consumption. But the performance during the first half of the year remains alarming, with the worst sales for the period in five years. Avocado: The market was extremely difficult, as is shown by a monthly price 10 percent lower than average. This resulted from the record level reached by supplies. The quantities shipped from South Africa in June swung up above normal again and the Spanish season was prolonged. In parallel, Peru, which was still a marginal origin in 2001, has become a major supplier of the EU market. However, the overall decrease in price was still much less than the increase in volumes. Orange: The winter season was very satisfactory right to the end. Both the quantities marketed and the average price increased noticeably again. Demand was focused on Valencia from Spain and Morocco and was very strong. Navel from South Africa found it difficult to gain a position, but the small volumes shipped meant that the market remained under control. Grapefruit: Performance was disappointing. Although cumulated supplies from the southern hemisphere were smaller than usual, the average price was markedly down on preceding years. Demand was fairly good because of the late start to the stone fruit season and does not seem to be the reason. In contrast, the prolonging of the season in Florida and Turkey weighed on the establishment of fruits from Argentina and South Africa. Litchi: The European market is still substantially dominated by Thai produce shipped in sea containers. Picking started in the northern part of the country and the volumes exported to Europe increased considerably, with a strong effect on prices. Most of the litchis from Thailand are received by Dutch operators and then redistributed to the various European markets. Smaller flows are also shipped to the markets in France, the UK, etc. Mango West African Season: The market was very sluggish throughout the month. After being over-supplied in the first fortnight it gradually cleared during the second half of the month. Over-supply was the result of the accumulation of large shipments from Côte d'Ivoire and decreasing demand. Indeed, consumer preference for the season's fruits was particularly marked this year, even when they were more expensive. Côte d'Ivoire was the main source of mangoes for France and Europe during the period, regaining its position as a key supplier after a lack-lustre 2003 season. (Résumé d'auteur