The ongoing rain in Brazil is slowing lime exports, while demand is also lower in their key European markets. The rain also brought a higher disease burden says Wellington Carvalho, sales manager from the exporter Don Vicente. "We work mainly with limes and we currently have more availability in São Paulo, due to the rains that started by the end of last year however it also caused a higher incidence of problems like oleocellosis and skin damage."
Given the size of Brazil not all growing areas receive rain at the same time, but more rain is on the way in the northeast says Carvalho. "In the northeast, the volumes are lower at the moment, but rains are expected for the coming days hence the scenario is expected to change for March."
He says their main market is in Europe, which they serve directly. "The main market we serve directly is Europe. We also have partners in Canada and South Africa. We send to Holland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and other countries. Prices in the European market are around 8 to 7 Euro for big sizes and 6 to 7 Euro for small sizes."
The colder months traditionally signal a period of lower Brazilian limes demand in Europe. "Due to the winter time, demand is lower therefore we might face some slight decrease in prices still, but for March we expect things to change with the better temperatures," states Carvalho.
First time ginger exports
Don Vicente started with their first ginger exports last year says Carvalho, to meet the growing global demand. They hope to increase exports during this year. "We have done a very short campaign last year. Although last season was very quiet, we had a good result, and we plan to bet again this year and be more daring," concludes Carvalho.
For more information:
Wellington Carvalho
Don Vicente
Tel: +55 17 99732-1110