A fresh approach to dried fruit and natural dried foods

July 2010

News

Market awaits Northern Hemisphere harvests Exports of Californian raisins remain strong despite the relatively high process and all the uncertainty over the past month with this years export program. In reality however, California has enjoyed a unique position where they have had fruit available for shipment whereas over origins such as Turkey have only have limited quantities. This position may not be the same in the year ahead as much depends on whether Turkish farmers take the risk to dry larger quantities of their fruits as raisins rather than sultanas this year. Reports from Turkey continue to down play the size of the new crop. Some experts predict this as low as 250,000 tonnes whereas other still state that the crop may be a large one, in excess of 300,000 tonnes. If this years carry in of unsold fruit is added, in theory there will be more than enough raisins and sultanas to satisfy demand. As reported last week prices have firmed all be it temporarily, but once the harvest is underway it seems unlikely that this situation can continue. Today specially cleaned no.9 sultanas remain between $1650 to $1750 pmt FOB Izmir. Looking back at previous years it would not be inconceivable if prices were to drop significantly from this level California in contrast continues to bullish with many of the packers stating that they are already running out of fruit. Prices for select Californian raisins are therefore firm at between $0.89 to $0.93 per lb C&F Felixstowe. News from Greece suggests that this years Greek currant crop will be of a reasonable size and subject to good weather should be sufficient to meet requirements.  It is to be hoped that prices will reduce a little from today's levels for the new season as without doubt the high price of currants has caused many manufacturers to turn away from currants as an ingredient. Turkish apricots prices remain extremely firm as traders panic over the size of this years crop. Again, it may be wise to wait for the dust to settle and exact figures to become available. As an indication whole pitted no.4 apricots remain at between $4000- $4200 pmt FOB Izmir and this level seems unlikely to change for the time being.

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