Global Market Report: Limes

With the arrival of winter in the southern hemisphere, the number of limes has decreased. This, coupled with the high demand for limes in the market, has led to a firm price. This has caused sharp fluctuations in lime prices in some countries, but not every country. Prices rose in France, while prices in Italy fell. Meanwhile, in Mexico, the fruits of all these trees are harvested, starting a new season cycle. This guarantees a large supply of Grade 2 fruits and a limited supply of Grade 1 fruits. Rains in the veracruz's main appellation could cause a shortage in the market for a few days. Prices in the North American market are currently stable due to strong demand.

Netherlands: The lime market picks up after a few months of slump A Dutch importer said: "After a few bad months, the lime market is picking up again. ”。 Demand is strong across Europe and volumes have declined. For example, there is currently a high demand for limes in the local market in Brazil, and the supply is decreasing as the seasons end. We could see more cargo from Brazil last week, and if this continues, there will be enough lime supply in two to three weeks. Mexico has been loading a very limited number of limes for months. ”

Germany: Restrictions on the operation of the catering industry have led to market difficulties For many years, German quotations have been dominated by products from Mexico and Brazil. Usually, limes are absolute runners in the summer market, but at the moment the situation is quite the opposite. "The demand for limes has dropped sharply compared to normal volume in the summer. Of course, this is related to the outbreak of special circumstances: the catering industry has been closed for some time, and although it reopened before the holiday, the turnover still has not reached normal levels. One supplier from Hamburg said: "There are fewer lime buyers, mainly cocktail parties and lounge bars. ”

France: Price volatility is sharp in a short period of time, and limes experience strong price fluctuations in the market. Three weeks ago, limes were sold for 3-4 euros per pack. At the end of last week, the price rose to 10-12 euros. The slight shortage of limes partly explains the rise in prices, in part because it is currently winter in the southern hemisphere. Despite the high prices and the holidays, the demand for limes in France is still high. The French are on holiday in their own country, paying more attention to the need for healthy nutrition inspired by the outbreak of special circumstances, and they consume limes well.

Italy: Lime prices fluctuate sharply, consumption drops by 70% An Italian wholesaler explained that the price of limes fluctuates a lot. In August 2019, the price is 3-4 euros per kilogram. In July 2020, the price is 2 euros, and by the end of July, even 1 euro for a kilogram. There are now fewer limes from South America than usual, mainly due to outbreaks of special circumstances and the resulting logistics delays. Therefore, the price fluctuates. Compared to July 2019, demand fell by 70% and consumption was sluggish. Wholesalers point out that at the European level, the Netherlands is the main trader of limes.

U.S.: U.S. market prices are firm At present, the U.S. inventory of limes is very large, mainly from Mexico. Wholesalers are now seeing more limes on the market than usual. Despite the peak season, many limes are also affected by high temperatures, which have an impact on the quality of fruits, such as shrinkage and minimum shelf life for retail. Even more striking than in 2019 is that imports from Colombia, Peru and Guatemala are still waiting for their time.

Coupled with the fact that strong retail demand over the past 3-4 months has proven to be fairly stable, coupled with the challenges posed by the exceptional circumstances that broke out in Mexico for the harvest, it has provided strong prices for the US market. Traders expect strong prices to continue. Prices will only fall if there are more limes suitable for the fresh market, but this is not the case at the moment.

Mexico: Rainfall could cause a supply shortage in the market within a few days The main lime growing region in Mexico is Veracruz. At present, growers are preparing for the next round of planting and harvesting all the fruit of the fruit trees. This has led to a massive influx of secondary limes into the market, which has lowered prices, and there has also been a small shortage of primary limes, so the prices are higher. Last week, rain in the Veracruz region led to a halt in the harvest, which is expected next week as well. This is expected to lead to a supply shortage in the market within a few days, as the harvest is delayed by two to three weeks, and the current inventory in the market cannot make up for the shortage until the next shipment is listed. If the next harvest period comes, prices are expected to stabilize again.

Source: Global Fruit & Vegetable Network