Russia: Warm weather gives positive trend to citrus

Week 39 appeared to be quiet in respect of imported production but not for domestic produce. The weather remained to stay warm and sunny, even in Saint-Petersburg. Total arrivals were about 5200 pallets, all from Argentina. It gave a positive trend to citrus market. The looser of week 39 – Italian grapes which sales eventually stopped all over the Russia. Some new products have entered the market – kaki and quince from Uzbekistan as well as the first lemons from Turkey.
OrangesDue to the break in arrivals from South Africa the situation became definitely better – prices have gone further up. In week 39 cat. I stepped over 1,00 $/kg level, cat. II – 0,93 $/kg. Argentine fruits were not in demand. LemonsThe demand for lemons became stronger. As a result prices went up to 1,13 $/kg in Saint-Petersburg. The first Turkish lemons appeared in Moscow. They have been offered on 1,14 $/kg level, on the same level as Argentine fruits there. In the meantime prices in Novorossijsk were on 1,28 $/kg level which shows the contradiction between high expectations from Turkish side and the realities of the Russian market.MandarinsThe further price growth (to 1,84 $/kg level) took place for little sizes only (80 and smaller). The importers faced troubles in the meantime with sales of large sizes at any price. First Okitsu from Turkey are expected next week but the sizes seem to be large.

Grapefruits/PomelosFirst pomelos from Israel have lost almost 0,50 $/kg in 1 week – from 2,20 $/kg to 1,70 $/kg. Since next week the arrivals of Israeli production are expected to enlarge both by volume and by assortment. Chinese pomelos are expected soon as well.The variety Star Ruby hold the leadership in grapefruit sales during week 39. Prices were stable with even decrease due to quality for Argentine fruits - 1,85 $/kg level for South Africa and 1,45 $/kg level for Argentina. The little sizes were sold cheaper – 1,60 $/kg and 1,12 $/kg accordingly. Ruby Red variety was sold about 1 $/box cheaper, white grapefruits – no sales at all.ApplesToo much apples offered – that was a peculiarity of week 39. Moldova and Serbia enlarged the assortment with Ida Red (1,00 $/kg), Granny (1,04 $/kg) and Gloster (0,92 $/kg) varieties, local apples were picked up from trees all over the country. As a result European apples had no market at all similar to week 38. The retailer were ready for any kind of tricks chasing the prices – shelves were still full with Chinese Fuji and Belgian Jonagold as well as Argentine Red Delicious from last crop.PearsThe demand was definitely there as well as the offers. Conference variety was the leader in sales, however the other ones found their place as well. Rocha from Portugal have started on 1,20 $/kg for size 55+, 1,40 $/kg for size 65+. Conference was logically more expensive – from 1,33 $/kg for size 55+ to 1,53 $/kg for size 75+. In general the situation remained stable and looks like that for coming weeks as well unless the importer’s activity wouldn’t exceed the current level.GrapesThe worst sales in week 39 were observed for Italian grapes. More exactly – absence of sales all over the Russia. The market was full of grapes from all the producing neighbor countries like Moldova, Uzbekistan and Turkey which took it completely over. Turkish Sultana was effected as well, the price went down to almost Uzbekistani 1,80 $/kg level but with that certain position could be kept. However there is a trend of further price decrease to 1,60 $/kg for Sultana.KiwisThe situation remained stable, normal balance between offer and demand. Prices were in range 2,00 – 2,16 $/kg.PomegranatesThe newcomer on the market – pomegranates. At this moment there are two origins competing – Uzbekistan (2 $/kg) and Egypt (1,84 $/kg). The first came earlier and has nowadays slightly better coloration and larger sizes.Summer fruitsThe situation didn’t change since last week. Only melons couldn’t keep the level of 1,32 $/kg due to quality in the end of the season and went down to 1,00 $/kg. VegetablesOnions stayed on 0,40 $/kg by rumor that there is a little crop in Russia. Finally it remained to be a rumor but the price was kept on this high level. Potato was the same as in week 38. Local capsicums were traded on about 0,52 $/kg, aubergines – 0,60 $/kg.
Pavel Bandurovsky195269, Russia, St. Petersburg, 54, Svetlanovsky pr., letter "B" Tel.: + 7 (812) 324-2514, + 7 (812) 324-2515 Fax: + 7 (812) 324-2510 Email Website
Publication date: 9/28/2007