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

Banana: The market performed relatively well during the first half of the month in spite of more generous supplies of West Indian, African and dollar bananas than in recent years. Demand was satisfactory, particularly thanks to strong highlighting at the retail stage. The usual slowing of business in mid-September made the balance of the community market more delicate. The average monthly price was 2% down on that of 2003. Avocado: Just as rain follows sunshine, a buoyant avocado market always seems to be followed by a major crisis period. The disaster scenario ran again in September as arrivals of Hass were completely unreasonable in the second half of the month (Mexican shipments larger than usual, prolongation of the Peruvian season and a sudden large increase in Chilean presence in the EU). Orange: The market performed well again with the average price markedly up on preceding seasons. Demand was comparatively satisfactory for the season in spite of the morose context of the markets for other fruits. In addition, supplies were slightly short. The decrease in shipments from Argentina and Spain and the small stocks available more than balanced the nonetheless significant increase in arrivals of Valencia from South Africa. Grapefruit: The prospect of very limited shipments from Florida from October onwards because of production losses caused by hurricane Frances strongly influenced the market. Operators with good quality fruits (most of the batches from Honduras, the last arrivals from South Africa and the first Cuban fruits at the end of the month) did not have to force sales in September. The average price was therefore distinctly above average even though demand was relatively slow. Litchi: The litchi market in September was characterised by limited supplies, with the gradual winding down of the Israeli export season. Paradoxically, demand became more lively and kept prices fairly firm while fruit quality tended to worsen. The sale of Israeli litchis continued until at least the middle of the month on some European markets. Meanwhile, litchi shipments started from Spain and continued at a measured pace throughout the month. Mango West African Season: A slight return of interest in mango was observed at the end of August/beginning of September, with prices on the rise. The situation only truly recovered in the second half of the month as arrivals decreased considerably. The recovery of business was fairly slow for the tropical fruit range and the irregularity of mango supplies did not encourage an increase in consumption. (Résumé d'auteur