French market, July-August 2005 : indicators. Banana, avocado, orange, grapefruit, litchi, mango, sea freight

Banana: The results for the first two months of the summer were satisfactory in spite of a dull period in the first half of July. The average monthly price continued to be well above average, especially in August at nearly 70% higher! On the one hand, shipments to France were markedly down, especially from mid-July onwards, and on the other demand remained at a fairly good level for the season on both the domestic and export markets. Avocado: The 'Hass' market performed well this summer after a catastrophic situation in June. The marked decrease in arriving shipments enabled a rapid recovery. Prices increased steadily for most of the two-month period and were at a very strong level in mid-August. The subsequent return to a situation with more ample supplies resulted in a slight worsening of the market in the second half of August. The market for green varieties, strongly supplied by South Africa and mainly for export, followed this trend. Orange: The market remained very difficult. With demand still smaller than usual and Spanish 'Valencia' very present and selling at practically cost price, South African and then Argentinian oranges had great difficulty in gaining a position. The situation was particularly difficult for 'Navel'; these were available in large quantities and often had poor keeping qualities. Grapefruit: Performance was mixed in spite of the only average availability resulting from the late starting of the season in Honduras. The market was fairly satisfactory for size 40. In contrast, the situation continued to be difficult for small fruits and in particular for sizes 50/55 that were plentiful this year from all suppliers. The balance for the two months is fairly negative for Argentina because of keeping problems in a significant part of supplies. Litchi: The European market was supplied with litchi in July by Thailand, whose season was coming to an end, and by Israel, whose season was starting. The volumes from Thailand decreased at the end of the month and sales continued until the second week in August on some markets. Other European countries switched more sharply to Israeli fruits, whose supplies increased rapidly from mid-July. Spanish litchi appeared in mid-August-very early in comparison with preceding years. Supplies were amply sufficient in the light of the traditional slow demand in summer. Mango: Performance in July logically followed that of June when supply dwindled rapidly. The relative shortage of mango in the face of demand that traditionally decreases at this time of year resulted in a steep increase in prices. In contrast, August was strongly marked by distributors' lack of interest in the fruit and the return to more plentiful supplies and a dip in selling prices for all origins and types of shipping method. Sea freight: July historically records the lowest TCE average for the Spot market and this year was no different as the charter market reverted to type following what can now be regarded as the untypical events of summer 2004. (Résumé d'auteur