Mango market in better mood again, but prices could be higher- Ive Lambert, Starfruit
Following a dip in the mango market that lasted for weeks, the mood is now somewhat better again. “It’s not bad, but also not extremely good,” says Ive Lambert of Starfruit. “Everyone had expected the prices to be higher around this time, because the volumes aren’t that high, but that isn’t the case. Six weeks or so ago, prices were still rather high, after which they came tumbling down. At the moment it’s 6 to 7.5 Euro, depending on size. A normal level would be around 8 Euro.”
High dollar exchange rate
Starfruit is currently mainly offering the Kent variety from Peru. Ive points out that the high dollar exchange rate is a big problem. “There are various exporters that do not have their own plantations, having to buy extra from growers and pay in dollars. That dollar makes it more expensive and risky for exporters to ship produce to Europe, if prices can’t be made. Compared to last year, the dollar exchange rate is a big difference. Then the exchange rate was around 1.30, now it’s 1.05.”
Flown mango
For the flown mangoes, it’s a slightly different story. “This week it’s already going a bit better, but last week was difficult, and volumes of flown mango were too high. You then immediately see the market being disrupted by certain importers, who have little or no regular buyers. When the market is a bit more difficult, they suddenly lower the prices. The market price should be well above 30 Euro now (for a normal profit margin), but these companies are offering prices of 25 Euro. That’s not normal. With the current high dollar exchange rate, that’s actually below purchase value.” He says the market is now more easily disrupted than it used to be. “Nowadays, everyone has a list of 500 e-mail addresses, so everyone in the Netherlands and Belgium knows of the lower price in no time. Such immediate availability can be an advantage, but at times like these, it’s definitely not good for the market situation.”
In addition to mango, overseas melon is another important product for Starfruit. At the moment, they mainly have Galia from Honduras. “It’s been terribly difficult in that market for weeks, and now, within just a few days, we’re a few Euro higher, while only a little less is coming in. Demand is higher though, because of the nice weather.” At Starfruit, Galia from Honduras will arrive until week 17.
