Volumes of fruit are expected to drop, while prices will rise, according to information provided by Belgium frozen fruit producer Dirafrost, in its latest Crop Update Report.
The data shows that the blueberry crop in Europe was very different depending on the countries of origin. The total volume is considerably lower than last year, while prices are 20 to 30% higher than last year.
“The 2014 mango crop in Peru (Kent variety) was in January-February and was good in terms of quality and competitive prices. Peru was completely sold out, so we looked at Mexico for extra mango, where the harvest period is in June. Mexico also offers good quality mango, but the crop was less than half of the expected volume. There is currently a true mango shortage, which caused a 30% price increase of Mexican mango, since Peru was completely sold out”, says Dirafrost.
The same report shows that the apple crop across Europe is very good, especially in Poland. Good quality and competitive prices are expected, however the Russian embargo is expected to put pressure on the prices. Similarly the pear crop is booming and prices are 10 to 20% lower.
“Referring to raspberries, prices are now rising again. Demand is high and Polish raspberries are more expensive than Serbian raspberries. As mentioned in our July update, the percentage of whole raspberries is lower than last year”, says Dirafrost.