"September was one of the best starts to the Brazilian melon and watermelon seasons of the last decade," says Frank Ocampo of The Greenery/Hage International. According to him, there are three reasons for that.
"Firstly, the Spanish season stopped earlier. So, Brazilian melons and watermelons arrived in an almost empty Dutch market. The reasonably good late summer weather also helped," Franks begins.
He cites the delayed sailings from Brazil as the third reason. "We usually get two shipments per week. One is on Monday from the CMA CGM. And one on Wednesday from the MSC. To date, the CMA CGM line has arrived on time. However, the MSC line has had weekly delays. This means the market is running out earlier. And importers with program obligations have to reserve more trade. So, each shipment arrives in a completely empty market again."
"Brazil isn't sending more volume than last year and there's no increased supply and number of Dutch and European market players either. Rather, that's decreased," says Frank. "That's also because, this season, sea freight costs have increased by between $800 and $1,000. Customers with fixed seasonal prices are benefitting but weekly buyers are currently paying top prices for all melons and watermelons."
"This should continue for a few more weeks. The weather will fluctuate more as October nears. Consumption will, thus, drop a little too. That will stabilize the market. So I'm optimistic. Hopefully, the chain will become more balanced in the coming years. Brazilian growers deserve a good, prosperous season after years of bad ones," Frank concludes.
For more information:
Frank Ocampo
The Greenery
1 Spoorwegemplacement
2991 VT Barendrecht, NL
Tel +31 (0) 180 648 765
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.thegreenery.com