Halfway through the Iranian cherry season, Hadi Mirzaei, CEO of Darya Noosh Payab Trading, gives a mixed assessment: "the campaign is going well as usual, with good demand, but we could have done better price-wise."
The exporter adds: "The season started on schedule in June and will end in mid-August. Volumes are nearly stable, or slightly down due to lower rainfall. Cherry yields are cyclical anyway, dropping every two years, and this year is the low one."
As for quality this season, the exporter says he's satisfied: "All indicators are green, with the same distinctive taste of Iranian cherries, and good sizes and colouration."
On the same positive note, demand has been strong, adds the exporter. "During June, we saw strong demand from Russia, India, and the GCC countries, in addition to our local market. Prices were at their highest, reaching USD 3.5/KG. Right now, as the large sizes are running out, Russia has pulled out, and we're mainly exporting to India, with prices around 2-2.25 USD."
The exporter regrets that the high demand for Iranian cherries does not translate into good prices. He says, "When I compare Iranian cherries with those from other origins, I think it's a shame that quality isn't fairly rewarded. There's natural competition, of course, but it has to be said that the sanctions on Iran are contributing strongly to the low prices."
He continues: "At the moment, transactions are made in cash. Iranian suppliers try to sell as quickly as possible, as it takes time to repatriate the money, which makes it difficult to obtain the prices we deserve."
For more information:
Hadi Mirzaei
Darya Noosh Payab Trading
Tel: +989352243937
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]