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

Poland: apple juice concentrate in high demand

Warsaw - The smaller apple crop in Poland is not the only reason for high market prices of apple juice concentrate. The second reason are lower apples crops in China. Instead of 24 million MT (2006 crop) Chinese will probably harvest only 18-19 million MT of apples this season. The world’s demand for apple juice concentrate is of great importance and is probably the main reason, why volume of sales still grows despite very high prices during current season.The world’s total export of apple juice concentrate increased almost three-fold from 403 thousand MT in 1999/2000 to 1,4 million MT in 2006/2007 season. In the same time the share of Chinese export increased from 17% to 63%. Poland is the second supplier in the ranking, whose share in export increased – from 84 thousand MT to 210 thousand MT. Opposite than China, Poland supplies apple juice concentrate with high acidity. What is interesting, despite of lower crops in China, Chinese export of apple juice concentrate still grows and amounted to 551 thousand MT in the first half of 2007 year comparing with 673 thousand MT in whole 2006 year. Between January and July 2007 China was able to export 635 thousand MT of apple juice concentrate (only 370 thousand MT in the same time of 2006). The major difference between Poland and China are prices of raw material. Last year Chinese offered apples for processing at US$100-120 per MT comparing with US$150-185 per MT currently. In Poland prices of apple juice concentrate were stable in last 3 years (US$130-170 per MT) comparing with US$400-460 per MT in this season. Despite this fact, export of Polish apple juice concentrate increased from 62 thousand MT to 79 thousand MT in first 7 months of 2007.
Publication date: 10/5/2007
Author: FreshPlaza Correspondent Poland
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com

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

Poland: prices of apple and pears got even with

Warsaw - It seems like apple and pears can become a luxury fruit in Poland this year. They are very expensive as for Poland already, because of poor harvest. For one kilogram one have to pay 0,80-1,05 €/kg depending on the variety. At the same time of last year prices were at the level of 0,50-0,66 €/kg. Pears are even more expensive – 1,05-1,32 €/kg on average, comparing with 0,50 €/kg last year.The growers worst forecasts became truth – because of spring frosts in May crops will be by half smaller than in 2006. “ I lost 90% of fruit. I was able to harvest only 2 or 3 apples from each tree. The average crop of pears from my orchard was usually about 6 MT, this year I harvested 6 boxes only” – says Marek Grochowalski, fruit grower from Glowno. “I should already put Lobo apples in cold storage at this time, but it looks like I will not use it at all because there is nothing to store. All the apples picked from the orchard I sell on the market immediately. Before first frost everything will be sold.” – he continues. Lack of domestic apples can become a problem in Poland during winter and spring. Additionally the apple harvest in Eastern Europe countries which are traditional importers of Polish fruit wasn’t good as well. It looks like Poles will eat more oranges and bananas this winter rather than domestic fruit, because prices of those fruit probably will be comparable. At the moment bananas are sold at 1,19-1,32 €/kg and oranges at 1,32 €/kg.The average prices of apples and pears at Warsaw Wholesale Market Bronisze on September 24th 2007

http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=8250
Publication date:
9/25/2007Author: FreshPlaza Correspondent PolandCopyright: www.freshplaza.com

USA depends on fruit&vegetable imports more..

USDA informs, due to the increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables in the USA, its imports are increasing by high rates; imports have already exceeded exports twice as much. In 1990-92 the average annual volumes of fruit&vegetable imports totaled to $2.7 billion; in 2004-06 the imports increased up to $7.9 billion. The average annual vegetable imports reached $1.8 billion in 2004-06, fruits imports were worth to $2.5 billion.Mexico and Canada are the largest suppliers of vegetables to the USA; almost 83% of the total imports are allocated to these countries. The main imported products are tomatoes, cucumbers and bell pepper. The volumes of imported bananas are the largest; Colombia, Ecuador, Costa-Rika, Honduras and Guatemala supply these products.So the dependence of the USA on the imports of fresh fruits and vegetables increases year by year. The influence of this factor to fruit&vegetable business of Russia and Ukraine, the created opportunities will be covered in the presentations focused on the global fruit&vegetable market during the CIS largest fruit&vegetable conferences: "Fruits&Vegetable Business of Russia 2007. Wealth of New Opportunities" and "Fruits and Vegetables of Ukraine 2007. Meeting New Leader".
Source: lol.org.ua
Publication date: 9/25/2007

Polish wholesalers started purchasing apples to..

Polish wholesalers started purchasing apples to export them to Ukraine and RussiaCIS produce business periodical, "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" weekly, informs that the season of dessert apple purchase has started in Poland; these apples will be further exported to Ukraine and Russia, and also to EU countries. However, the wholesalers do not have the common opinion, which volumes of apples they manage to export and if there are export opportunities at all.At the present moment the wholesalers set the purchase prices worth to $0.64-0.76/kg for dessert apples of more than 70 mm in diameter in Poland. To compare: at the same period of time past year the purchase prices were $0.26-0.34/kg.To the opinion of the analysts of "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits", a part of apples purchased by the wholesalers for exports to Ukraine and Russia will be sold on the inner market in future: the further price growth for quality products is expected there. Now purchased quality Polish apple will be sold not cheaper than $1.4-1.6 on wholesale markets of Ukraine and Russia. The retail prices for quality Polish apples may reach $1.8-2.4/kg in December in Ukraine and Russia. The prices for apple may further grow in January-May on the markets of these countries.You may find out the detailed perspectives of Russian and Ukrainian apple markets, and also other types of fruits and vegetables during the CIS largest fruit&vegetable conferences: "Fruits&Vegetable Business of Russia 2007. Wealth of New Opportunities" and "Fruits and Vegetables of Ukraine 2007. Meeting New Leader". There are less than three weeks till the registration for participation in Russian conference is over!
Source: lol.org.ua
Publication date: 9/25/2007

Poland: thieves in apple orchards due to high prices

Warsaw - Because of high – for Poland – prices of apples used for processing, Polish growers have recently many problems with thieves in orchards. They can steal between 100 kg up to 5 thousand MT per night from one orchard in Mazovia region. The police from Grojec (the major town in the largest apple growing region in Poland) arrests several thieves every day. According to the Press Office of The Polish Police Headquarters in Radom, “expensive apples are the main reason of thefts. But because of good cooperation with growers we are able to effectively fight crime. Only during few days of last week police stopped 4 men trying to steal apples or sell stolen fruit.” In the village of Stara Wies the police arrested two men of age 30 and 51. Both gathered 450 kg of apples (worth approximately € 132) ready to be moved out of the orchard. In the village of Wola Worowska, the orchard owner stopped a 21-year old man who already picked apples worth € 318 and tried to sell them. In another case the owner of processing apple buying office informed the police about the suspicious transaction. The arrested man testified that he stole more than 100 kg of fruit only few hours before. This year the processing apples prices in Poland are approximately 4-fold higher than in 2006 and the average price per kilogram was € 0,25-0,29 during last few days.
Publication date: 9/25/2007
Author: FreshPlaza Correspondent Poland
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com

Russia: Imported apples too expensive to compete

Week 38 had nothing special regarding market activity though the prices have gone up for most of the products due to coming to an end picking time for local produce. Summer shows up in Russia again with nice range of temperature +15 +20 C in a day, sun and even better colored trees where leaves are turning from green to yellowish and red. Only Saint-Petersburg had it’s usual rainy weather. The first Chinese products reached the European part of Russia through Saint-Petersburg. Arrivals were not too large – 6500 pallets from the Southern Hemisphere. The loser of week 38: imported apples which appeared to be too expensive in comparison with local production which found it’s right price level.OrangesIt finally happened – prices have started to climb up. At first, it was cat. I of South African fruits – 0,96 $/kg. Cat. II from South Africa and Argentine oranges stayed still on last week’s level. Saint-Petersburg was the first to react unlikely Moscow where the prices didn’t change too much as well as in regions.LemonsThe situation with lemons has splited by quality as eventually quite some stuff from last vessels arrived with problems. The sound products were sold on 1,00 $/kg level, problematic ones – lower, to 0,88 $/kg. Turkish lemons are expected in the south since next week on.MandarinsPrices went up again as South African fruits couldn’t be found and totally it was a shortage. The level of week 38 was from 1,52 $/kg on.GrapefruitsThe sales of Star Ruby variety again were more active than Ruby Red. In general not much grapefruits were offered by importers so prices went up as well : 1,85 $/kg for large sizes (28-35) from South Africa, 1,60 $/kg for the same sizes from Argentina.ApplesThe local fruits conquered the market in week 38. With the prices for nice selected apples by modern packing lines (news of this season) on the level of 0,60 $/kg they became the bestseller of week 38. Not calibrated stuff with sizes in range 65/90 was offered on 0,44 $/kg. Moldavian apples started from 0,96 $/kg up, Serbian – from 1,20 $/kg, European – from 1,60 $/kg.PearsThe situation was normal with much better demand for Conference than for any other variety. It seems that last Triumph pears were turning ripened. Their price level in week 38 – 1,23 $/kg whereas Conference was 0,10 $/kg more expensive in size 55/65. The price for large sizes stepped over 1,50 $/kg level.GrapesMoldavian blue grapes went up to 0,90 $/kg, Turkish Sultana jumped to 1,92 $/kg. Uzbekistani stuff was in between of them. The demand for those grapes was active enough what can’t be said about all Italian varieties – with the prices on 2,20 $/kg level they were the last to move.KiwisFirst Italian kiwis entered the market and were met with pleasure after long period of shortage. In week 38 the price level was between 2,10 – 2,25 $/kg depending upon sizes.Summer fruitsIt was the last splash in summer fruits trade stipulated by the warm weather. In week 38 peaches were more expensive than nectarines – 2,60 $/kg against 2,20 $/kg accordingly with the reasonable demand. Plums were sold on levels from 1,36 $/kg up for Serbian small size stuff, variety Stanley till 1,80 $/kg for round shaped, large size fruits of variety President. There was some French stuff on the market on 2,08 $/kg level. Even the watermelons went up to 0,30 $/kg, the situation with melons has been corrected as well – 1,28 $/kg.VegetablesAs the picking season is almost over the last vegetables were offered on higher prices than before except potatoes which went down to 0,22 $/kg. White cabbage kept it’s level whereas onions jumped to 0,42 $/kg. Local tomatoes and cucumbers were sold on the same price level – 1,60 $/kg which immediately opened the door for imported stuff.
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: 9/25/2007

Harvest of new apple variety Kanzi started

Tholen - This morning, the harvest of the new apple variety Kanzi started in The Netherlands. The Dutch actress Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen picked the first apple. The name Kanzi is derived from the South African word for ‘hidden treasure' and will be brought to the European market by Greenstar Kanzi Europe (GKE), a venture of among others the Dutch company Koninklijke Fruitmasters and the Belgian company Veiling Haspengouw. Kanzi is a cross between the varieties Braeburn and Gala. "After many years of breeding, a new variety has been born. Kanzi offers the best properties of Braeburn and Gala. This goes beyond appearance and taste. To be a successful apple, taste and quality have to be the same year round. Kanzi is a shiny red apple with a lovely taste and I'm sure that it can become one of the most important apple varieties in Europe in the future," said CEO Urs Luder of GKE.

Greenstar Kanzi Europe (GKE)Tongersesteenweg 152B-3800
Sint-TruidenBelgiumPhone: +32 (0) 11 67 06 11Fax: +32 (0) 11 67 27 76
www.gkefruit.comwww.kanziapple.com
Publication date: 9/25/2007
Author: Lody van Berkel
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com

Increase of fresh produce imports to the US

Barranquilla – In a report by the USDA, there is an evaluation of the increasing imports of fruits and vegetables to this country, particularly important since the 1990s. The major suppliers are located within the NAFTA countries in the first place, counter-season countries of the Southern hemisphere in the second place and equatorial countries providers of bananas in the third place. The most important increase on imports is mirrored in the increasing and diversification of consumption by the US population.Between 1990-92 and 2004-06, US annual imports of fresh produce increase from 2.7 billion dollars to 7.9 billion dollars (nominal values). Exports also increased but less than proportional, therefore US is converting in a net importer of fresh produce.
http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=7620
Sophia Huang and Kuo Huang, the authors of the report, are agricultural economists at the USDA.
Publication date: 9/17/2007
Author: Jahir Lombana
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com

Kashmir apple traders seek industry status

Orchards in Kashmir Valley ~ once known as the fruit bowl of India ~ are full of fragrant apples but growers fear another disastrous year of business in the wake of what many say is government apathy. Farmers across the valley, currently busy harvesting the fruit to be shipped to markets outside the state, accuse the government of not doing enough to safeguard the declining horticulture sector."Kashmir fruit business, despite being one of the prime revenue earners, has never got the desired attention from the government," Mr Abdur Rasheed, a fruit grower in Shopian, about 50 km from Srinagar, complained. Like Rasheed, most of the farmers complain of the government's failure to accord to the fruit business an industry status."By granting the status of an industry to the fruit business, we could be entitled to financial and other subsidy benefits," Mr Rasheed said. Over three million people are directly or indirectly associated with this trade that is currently estimated at Rs. 20 billion, said Mr Mubeen Shah, president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), who wanted the government to take extra measures to save the industry from further deterioration. According to the state's horticulture department, around 1.5 million tons of apples are produced in Kashmir annually.However, the valley's fruit business, facing stiff competition from Shimla apples and other imported fruits, is declining in infrastructure as well as in investment. Orchards are being converted into residential plots, as farmers here say the trade, which once earned fortunes for them, is not yielding enough."After suffering continuous crop failures for the past many years, I had no option but to sell a portion of my orchard to a city-based businessman who has started construction on it," said Mr Majeed Mir of Shalimar, who once had about 10 acres of orchards in the Telbal area, 26 km northeast of Srinagar. According to estimates, over 500,000 tons of apple are ruined every year in the valley. There are many reasons for this. Diseases like scab infection, alternaria, red-might and powdery mildew are spoiling the crop and growers are unable to do much to stem the rot.Farmers allege that spurious fungicides, pesticides and fertiliser are being supplied to them at exorbitant rates. Even if the production is up to the mark, there are no cold storage facilities to preserve the fruit in case of shipping delays, says Mr Manzoor Ahmed, a research scholar at an agricultural university here.On an average a truck takes 36 hours to reach New Delhi on a clear road and much longer if it is headed to other Indian markets. Added to it is the absence of proper marketing strategies. No proper grading according to size and quality and absence of attractive and scientific packaging have damaged the valley's fruit trade, Mr Ahmed opines.However, the government says adequate steps are being taken to save the worsening fruit industry. "We have ordered implementation of a market intervention scheme to ensure standard packaging and grading of fruits," horticulture minister Mohammad Dilawar Mir said. "This is necessary to withstand the stiff competition in the liberal trade regime as sale of mixed grades of fruit is bringing a bad name to the world-famous fruit industry of Kashmir," Mr Mir said. "If we want to compete, we have to improve the quality.""Fruit trade in the valley has every potential for growth," claims Mr Ghulam Rasool Bhat, president of the Kashmir Fruit Growers Association. Mr Bhat substantiates his claims, saying: "Kashmiri apples are juicier and appealing in colour. Known for their special taste, apples grown here are high in demand in markets across India." The different varieties of apples grown here include Hazratbali, Delicious, Royal Delicious, American and Maharaja. Experts also feel that scab resistant variety of apples would help in business revival. Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural University here claim to have developed Shireen and Firdous varieties, which they say are resistant to diseases. However, the newly developed varieties have not been introduced in the market yet.
Source: thestatesman.net
Publication date: 9/24/2007

Wholesale center in the framework of "Fruit&Vegetable

Wholesale center in the framework of "Fruit&Vegetable Business of Russia 2007"The organizers of the second international conference "Fruit&Vegetable Business of Russia 2007" invite wholesale companies to participate in the work of Wholesale Center to be held on the 24th of October 2007 in the framework of this event. We'd like to remind that the conference will take place in the Expocenter on Krasnaya Presnya, Moscow, on the 23rd - 25th of October 2007. The wholesale center idea came out due to the numerous complaints of Russian wholesalers about the difficulties they face to purchase quality vegetables and fruits of the national origin; from the other side, the producers used to complain on the problems to sell the grown products as well.The Wholesale Center is aimed to help the wholesale companies meet with a large number of the growers at one place and discuss the options of cooperation; it especially concerns the companies - buyers of fruits and vegetables from Russian producers. Large producers of vegetables and potato, fruit growing farms, greenhouse complexes, importers and other companies engaged in fruit&vegetable sector will be present in the event.The wholesale companies are to pay registration fee worth EUR 200 (VAT included) for participation in the wholesale center. The first fifteen companies are not required to pay the registration fee if registered for participation in the wholesale center! Having paid for the participation in the conference, the companies take part in the wholesale center free of charge.Source: lol.org.ua
Publication date: 9/24/2007

Vegetable market in Ramallah

A Palestinian woman buys fruit at a vegetable market in Ramallah. The World Bank has warned that the Palestinian economy remains crippled seven years after the outbreak of the intifada and needs 1.62 billion dollars in annual foreign aid to close the deficit.

China: Threat And Opportunity

Everyone is trying to figure out what China means for the West. New business opportunities in the East? More poverty in the West? A rival superpower?Jack London asked all of these questions a century ago. Already famous for tales of the Alaskan gold rush, the 28-year-old author was hired by the Hearst newspapers in 1904 to cover the war between Russia and Japan. London, who loved boxing, was now ringside for a major defeat of a European country by non-Europeans - the first since the fall of Constantinople in 1453.This Asian triumph came at the same time immigration was leading to anti-Chinese riots in California. In this climate, London sent home a 1904 essay titled "The Yellow Peril" - predicting that the Chinese might one day inherit the earth. Three years later, in 1907, he wrote a science fiction story called "The Unparalleled Invasion," in which he made two accurate predictions about China's future.First, he predicted that Japan would invade China, but eventually be expelled. The Japanese invasion came in 1931, 15 years after London's death, and their expulsion came at the end of WWII.More important was his second prediction. He saw that China would industrialize in the 20th century, and that its vast supply of cheap and disciplined labor would again make it what it had been for millennia before - the world's greatest economic power by far. London wrote that:"China ... entertained no dreams of conquest. The Chinese [were] not an imperial race. .. [they were] industrious, thrifty, and peace-loving. War was looked upon as an unpleasant but necessary task that at times must be performed. And so, while the Western races had squabbled and fought ... China had calmly gone on working at her machines and growing." Until, in his story, it becomes the largest economy on earth. And at current rates of growth, China's GDP will in fact surpass the United States by mid-century.The finale to London's prediction is horrific: The Western powers, terrified by China's new power, wipe out its population with biological warfare. London may not have approved of such genocide, but there is no question that he saw the "yellow peril" as a threat to the West. Despite this ugly racism, Jack London's story captures two faces of globalization: the promise of amazing growth in the East, and the West's shock of relative decline.First the bright side: Most of humanity is escaping from poverty. World Bank figures show that from 1981 to 2004, people living in extreme poverty (less than $1 a day) fell from 33 to 15 percent of world population. Those in moderate poverty (less than $2 a day) fell from 54 to 40 percent.Nowhere was this faster than in China, where extreme poverty declined from 64 percent to 10 percent, and moderate poverty dropped from 84 percent to 35 percent over the same period. Never before has there been such rapid improvement in human well-being.Quite a few foreigners are getting rich in China as well. While in China on business last month, I visited luxury hotels and conference centers swarming with business people from all over the world. This is a gold rush - China's industrialization has produced the greatest increase in absolute world wealth ever.Meanwhile, however, there has been a decline in U.S. relative wealth - and its correlates, our political and military power. This is the downside of globalization, for us. In the long run, we need to keep our military strong, and have much better incentives for environmental protection. But our most immediate need is for a more generous safety net - for the victims of trade.If free trade really is good for the country as a whole - as we economists argue - then it ought to be possible to make it good for the whole country. But don't do it with tariffs - they cut off the benefits of trade for everyone. Do it with subsidies targeted to those hurt by trade.In Scandinavian countries, where such subsidies are much more generous, surveys by Harvard's Dani Rodrik and others show that more people are in favor of globalization. Recognizing what is good for their people as a whole, Scandinavians are willing to protect the inevitable losers.We need to do the same - not out of kindheartedness, but to protect our overall gains from trade. We cannot expect millions of workers to willingly sacrifice their jobs upon the altar of globalism just so the rest of us can enjoy higher living standards.The United States economy has grown faster than the rest of the world for most of two centuries. But not anymore. The poor world is now growing much faster than the rich world. The combined GDP of the developing world, led by China and India, grew 7 percent in 2006 - more than twice as fast as the GDP of the rich countries, according to the World Bank.If world poverty is to be conquered anytime this century, this very rapid growth for the poor must continue. We in the U.S. can get richer by investing, helping the world's poor - the vast majority of our planet - to work smarter and better. China is showing us how great our world's potential is.We must not let our fear of a resurgent Asia cut us off from this immense engine of wealth creation. Let's be constructive - and go get a bigger piece of that wealth. Jim Stodder, an economist at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Hartford, recently returned from Beijing and Tianjin, China, where he taught a course on risk management.
Source: courant.com
Publication date: 9/24/2007

Spain: disappointing citrus harvest in Valencia

FRS-Holland sent us an extensive overview of the estimated citrus crop in the Spanish region of Valencia, Alicante and Castellon. The overall crop will be 20% smaller than last year. The largest decrease will be visible for the lemon (-49%) and satsuma (-39%) segment.

http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=7955

Publication date: 9/20/2007
Author: Dennis van der Westen
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com

Jak Fruit introduces Koala easy peel navel

Tholen - The Australian fresh fruit international trading company Jak Fruit Pty Ltd presented a new brand for an easy peeling Navel orange at the occasion of Asia Fruit Logistica. This super sweet navel will be marketed under the Koala brand. The marketing is powered by a unique website dedicated to the promotion, www.koalaeasypeel.com.au, which is supported with leaflets that communicate the unique attributes of this orange.

For over 50 years this variety was grown by a few growers north of Sydney, but yet was never effectively marketed or commercialized. Besides low acid and more than acceptable juice content, this navel is seedless, easy to peal and easy to segment. “The attribute of low acidity will have a high appeal to Asian consumers, while children and elderly people can peel and eat them,” said Jason Kotz, MD of Jak Fruit. “We anticipate a healthy interest from niche export markets.”

The fruit has excellent storability and can be kept at 7 degrees Celsius. The production has started the last two year and will grow with plantings on different farms during the next two years, growing the volume from roughly 300 MT in 2006/2007, up to 1000 MT in 2007/2008 and 2000 MT in 2008/2009.
For more information, contact:Jason Kotz, MD Jak Fruit Pty LtdJason@jakfruit.com
Tel: +61 350238711Fax: +61 350238722www.jakfruit.com
Publication date: 9/19/2007
Author: André van der Wiel
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com

New apple variety set to revitalise the British apple

The risky business of apple growing is getting a shot in the arm this season, thanks to the £5 million investment by British growers in the JAZZ™ variety that is noted for its crisp bite, sweet flavour, pear-like aroma and bright colouration. The apple only accounts for one in 50 eaten at the moment but the plan is that sales will be worth £25 million in four years’ time.JAZZ™ is primarily grown in New Zealand, USA and France but the catchy name was suggested by the British technical director, Dr Drew Reynolds and British farmers have been very quick to invest in the ‘apple of the future’.Last year, over 200,000 trees were planted in Kent, Sussex, Herefordshire and Suffolk. Commercial Manager Gary Harrison said, “JAZZ is a variety that needs sunshine and the right kind of soil in which to flourish. It is always a relief at harvest time to know the crop is safe, in spite of hail damage from the many unusual storms this summer. We are looking forward to learning Gregg’s verdict on this year’s crop, which is our largest yet in the UK and the first time we have supplied significant quantities to our Tesco, Waitrose, M&S and Morrison’s.”The apple is being promoted by an extreme sports athlete, Tim Emmett, who gives motivational talks in secondary schools that include healthy eating messages. The company also sponsored a climbing event in Wales and Worldwide Fruit is set to work with a top chef to create new recipes. In addition, JAZZ™ is taking a stand at the BBC Good Food Show in Birmingham from November 28 to December 2.The Food Chain CiC at Leeds University proved that JAZZ™ apples created more ultrasound (scoring 7.8 out of 10) than crisps at 7.2 or biscuits at 6.8. Ultrasound is inaudible waves of sound that trigger a reaction in the brain which causes a sensation of pleasure. Professor Povey said, “It is probably that we are genetically disposed to appreciating cripness as a sign of freshness. Crisper foods tend to be fresher.”
More information: www.jazzapples.co.uk
Publication date: 9/21/2007

Enza presents new bicolor apple: Envy

Tholen - At the occasion of the Asia Fruit Logistica, Enza presented a new variety that will be marketed under the brand Envy. This variety is a bicolor apple that was created by HortResearch through the crossing of Royal Gala and Braeburn. The result is very sweet apple that has high brix, high flavor, having a high juice content and yet holding pressure extraordinary well, giving it a long storing time under normal storage conditions. The taste of an apple that was harvested five months ago and kept under normal conditions for five months was excellent, while the pressure was still very high, creating a lot of crunch.

This apple will be available 12 months a year, with production planned for both hemispheres. Currently there are trial trees growing in New Zealand, UK, France and the USA, and some trialing also being done with organic cultivation in Italy. Envy is not yet available for sale due to the limited number of trees in the ground, but the plan is to have similar volumes to Enza's other specialty club variety, Jazz. Dawn Gray, General Manager of Enza, mentioned that this apple is expected to be in high demand in Asia and North America, where people particularly appreciate the sweetness and crunch that
Envy offers.For more information, contact:Dawn E GrayGeneral ManagerEnza International
Tel: +64 9 573 8700dawn.gray@turnersandgrowers.com
www.turnersandgrowers.com
Publication date: 9/18/2007Author: André van der Wiel
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com

UK: A hunger for English apples

September 18 marked the official start of the English Apple season with the arrival of the major English varieties in retailers, more than 7 days earlier than last year. The taste of the apples this year is excellent and demand is greater than ever. However, whilst demand soars, many consumers are confused about which apples are actually English.Apple customers confused about buying British
• 70% of the population actively seek out English Apples when they are in season
• Yet 40% do not know when the English Apple season begins
• 76% of people in the UK believe Granny Smith apples are English when in fact they are importedWhilst consumers may believe they are buying English apples, too frequently they are walking away with foreign varieties such as Granny Smith because they are confused by the name or simply do not know how to recognise an English apple in the shops.Additionally, there is further confusion surrounding some of the largest selling varieties such as Braeburn and Gala because imported supplies are on sale during the English season. This can result in some consumers, unknowingly, buying imported apples which have travelled considerable distances when they could have bought home-grown.Adrian Barlow, Chief Executive of English Apples and Pears Ltd said, “To ensure they are buying British, consumers should look for the Union Jack label on individual apples or the Union Jack logo on bags of apples.”Demand now outstripping supply for English ApplesDespite an excellent harvest due to the warm, wet weather this summer, demand for English apples is still outstripping supply. Almost 70% of the population buy apples every single week and the reputation of English apples for unrivalled flavour together with the current focus on buying local production has resulted in English apples being in greater demand than ever.More than 50% of consumers prefer to buy English because they taste better and because they want to support local suppliers, thus helping to reduce their carbon footprints.Good news this seasonThis year the English apple crop is more than 10% larger than last year thanks to the warm, wet summer weather. There are record crops of both English Gala and English Braeburn with production of these varieties set to rise still further in future seasons from new and recently planted orchards. Indeed, the production of English Braeburn is forecast to triple in the next 5 years. The increased production will help English growers meet the higher consumer demand which currently is outstripping supply.Adrian Barlow, Chief Executive of English Apples and Pears Ltd said, “The large increase in demand from consumers for English apples has created a great challenge for the industry as well as a huge opportunity. We have unprecedented support from retailers who recognise the importance of satisfying their customers and all the multiple retailers are implementing plans to maximise sales of English apples. Growers have invested heavily in new orchards, grading and storage facilities so that we can meet the increased consumer demand for English apples as soon as possible.”The Great British Apple Campaign raises awareness amongst apple-buying consumers of the quality and availability of English apples. Consumers should look for the Union Jack label found on English apples to ensure they are not buying imported apples. English Apples are now in the shops and this year the crop has the outstanding taste and flavour which characterises English apples and sets them apart from apples produced elsewhere.English Apple VarietiesEnglish Cox, still regarded as the finest eating apple in the world, is the largest single variety produced in the UK and represents 50% of the UK total production of eating apples. English Gala is now the second largest variety and this year’s crop will be the largest ever produced in the UK.Other major varieties are Spartan and Egremont Russet which are both available from the end of September. Traditional English varieties will also be in the shops from that time onwards. Later varieties include English Braeburn, Cameo and Kanzi together with the first volumes of English grown Jazz, all of which are new varieties and become available from November onwards.
Source: easier.comPublication date: 9/24/2007

T&M to increase fruit range

Thompson & Morgan has announced that it will be increasing its fruit range for the 2008 season to include small container and patio fruit varieties.It said there has been a massive increase in the number of people growing vegetablies at home, and predicts that by introducing a range of fruit suitable for growing in all gardens, a similar trend will follow with fruit sales. The new range includes ‘Autumn Fruiting Allgold’ and ‘Autumn Bliss’ raspberries, which are Primocane varieties that fruit in the first year on new growth.In addition, ‘Hardy Citrus Lemon Eureka’ and ‘Orange Calamondin’ are both suitable for the UK climate. A green lemon tree is also being added to the citrus range.‘Peach Bonanza’ is a genetic dwarf peach which has been bred in California and is perfect for pot growing in the UK. After a mass of pink blossom in the spring, full size peaches will grow.
Resource:Freshinfo