More activity on Russian produce market

Week 40 looked in general more active than previous one due to several factors. One of them was the activity from Muslim regions of Russia before Bairam holidays. Another one was the temperature slightly going down in almost all the regions and that pushed the customers activity up. Arrivals – 7200 pallets from South Africa – were not extremely large to change downwards the up-trend in citrus fruits – the bestsellers of week 40 - which didn’t take place often in last season.And, finally, due to coming to an end Middle Asian season some better movements were noted for European imported products. Siberia was full of Chinese apples and pears, however the sales of it there were not active at all. South of the country was quiet as Israel had a delay with a vessel and assortment from Turkey with high initial costs was limited.OrangesIn week 40 the demand for oranges was rather high. As a result prices for South African fruits remained on the previous high level and even Argentine oranges have turned to the better position. LemonsLemons went on to be “hot” item in week 40. Due to no arrivals the offer was mostly for little sizes 138-162 which almost got the level of traditional sizes in last week – 1,06 - 1,10 $/kg. Price for Turkish lemons have gone up in Moscow to 1,28 $/kg. On the same level they were offered from Novorossijsk but regional traders didn’t dare to take them by full trucks having still enough Argentine fruits with reasonable quality around.MandarinsMurcott variety had satisfactory coloration unlikely Ortanique. As new crop was still not on the market even the sizes 50/54 started slowly to move on 1,40 $/kg level. Little sizes whose presence was limited were running in range 1,72 – 1,92 $/kg depending upon quality.
Grapefruits/PomelosBesides that quality of grapefruits was going down and down the situation generally didn’t change.
First turn – Star Ruby variety – 1,12 – 1,47 $/kg depending upon sizes,
Second – Ruby Red – 1,01 – 1,33 $/kg.
White grapefruits didn’t have market at all.

ApplesIt was still the time of domestic produce which was offered in large quantities from 0,44 to 0,64 $/kg. Moldova followed from 0,80 $/kg for Red varieties up to 1,04 $/kg for Granny. These apples were sized mostly in 60/70 range. Serbian apples had some problems with sales due to too much offer in week 40. Belgian Jonagold showed bitter pit problems. French apples were not welcome too much due to their size unlikely Italian ones which had prices about 1 $/13 kg higher than French. Red Chief variety was on 1,73 $/kg level, Granny – 1,69 $/kg, Golden – 1,54 $/kg.
PearsPears faced slow market in week 40. As a result prices dropped and it helped to go on with the sales. Among the varieties Conference still had the leadership. Sizes 65 + had 1,33 $/kg level, 75 + - 1,40 $/kg. Even Lucas variety could be sold more expensive – 1,50 $/kg – just due to less offers.GrapesThe situation slightly changed in respect of white grapes from Italy whereas blue varieties faced serious troubles.
Turkish Sultana went up to 1,70 $/kg as Uzbekistani grapes were coming to an end. KiwisThe eventual demand in week 40 was for 10x1 kg package. There were still some stuff from New Zealand offered so the total quantity was a bit too much for the market. Prices were in range 1,80 – 2,00 $/kg which was lower than a week before.

PomegranatesEgyptian pomegranates lost about 0,10 $/kg as the coloration of the content inside was found by consumers not red enough. The outside presentation of Egyptian stuff was better than those of Uzbekistan but inside it was visa versa. So finally the prices matched each other.VegetablesTomatoes were rather in demand in week 40 which was satisfied by Poland. Prices were from 1,60 $/kg for size B to 2,00 $/kg for sizes BB. There were as well tomatoes from Belorussia and Holland on the market. Onions went further up to 0,44 $/kg. White cabbage – 0,20 $/kg, potatoes – 0,24 $/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