Denimpex, a Dutch company that has been importing Brazilian grapes for over ten years, has received the first shipments of the season this week. "The quality is excellent, and we are very pleased with the taste and the color," says Danny Deen. "The season however, is late in arriving, and quantities will likely be a bitter disappointment. That is because the local market in Brazil is doing really well, and because of unfavorable exchange rates."
"We anticipate a 30% import reduction compared to last year. This season we also had to deal with a 25% rise in production and transportation costs. This, of course, will affect the retail price. This will have to be markedly higher - if we want to keep consuming quality grapes from Brazil."
"What we in Europe have to realize is that suppliers in places like China, Brazil and South America will increasingly focus on local markets. Many producers are already bypassing Europe by supplying Asia, where conditions for export are more interesting. Some see the EU as having too many restrictions and certificates."
Pomelos from China
Denimpex sees the same happening in the pomelo business. "What we have here is that smaller companies can no longer meet European standards, in particular in regard to the MRL. The local markets pay much better. We will likely see a 20% drop in pomelos this year."
For more information:
Danny Deen
Denimpex
St. Antoniesbreestraat 10
1011 HB Amsterdam
Tel.: 0031 20 624 63 90
Fax: 0031 20 622 54 48