A fresh approach to dried fruit and natural dried foods

Dried Fruit report August 14th 2009 The industry is now awaiting the start of this year’s harvest of dried fruits in Turkey and Greece.  Continuing good weather means that this years harvest should be straight forward, but nothing is certain until all the fruit is safely dried and stored.  As reported previous the Turkish sultanas crop is thought to between 275,000 – 285,000 mt which is an average size and with a small carry over from this year more than adequate to meet likely demand. First new crop prices range between USD 1600 – 1650 pmt FOB for specially cleaned standard number 9 sultanas.  This is however, still speculative with several of the larger producers still awaiting before they announce their new season prices. The continued strength of sterling should help the UK consumer in the run up to Christmas.  Although the situation in the longer term is less clear as with fluctuating exchange rates and a possible volatile market much could happen over the coming months. Turkish Apricot prices have continued to ease back with strong market interest.  Early reports suggest however that the quality of this year’s fruit is variable so buyers need to take special care to ensure that the fruit delivered equals their specifications.  The Ramadan religious holiday will bring markets to a virtual close and the pause in production and supply may well create an artificial shortage and a temporary spike in prices.  The Californian raisin market remains relatively quiet with packers still awaiting news of the next government backed export program.  This is very important for the export price of Californian raisins and it is perhaps a shame that each year in the recent past a decision is reached so late.  Prices remain around $0.70 per lb C&F Felixstowe for select grade raisin with midgets at a small premium of $0.01 – $0.02 per lb on this figure.   News in Greece suggests that this year’s crop of currants will be slightly larger than last season.   The relaxation in the rules governing the areas where fruit can be packed may mean that further consolidation of suppliers can take place.

George Harker & Co Ltd Park Drive Industrial Estate Braintree Essex CM7 1AW Tel 01376 321 272 Fax 01376 552 160

               

Demos Ciclitira Head Office - London Capitol House, 60 - 62 Leman Street London E1 8EU TEL 020 7626 FAX 020 7702 0560