"The season of the year has long since ceased to influence the sales and consumption of exotic fruit. By now, many of these products have become a common food habit, as is the case with pineapple and avocado, for example. Other products such as lime, mango and coconut, however, are still considered as summer fruits," says wholesaler Francesco Cuomo of Cuomo Srl, who operates within the Nocera-Pagani fruit and vegetable market.
"In the case of limes, prices on the market were low up until two weeks ago, hovering at less than 1 euro per kilo for a product from South America. As of this week, things are apparently recovering. The reason for the low prices was the abundant supply available on the market, higher than the still abundant demand. In terms of quotations, we are about 70 percent lower compared to past years."
"Another trend we have been noticing for the last couple of years,” continues Cuomo, “is the preference for Brazilian rather than Mexican limes. Mexican limes used to be consumed much more, because it was believed that the green color of the peel was a guarantee of a longer shelf-life for the product, as it was still unripe. But the thinner, lighter-colored peel and higher juice content of the Brazilian lime have led to its popularity.
"Mangoes have to contend with low prices, around €8 for the 4 kg crate, probably because products from South America are dominating the markets and our high temperatures are compromising their preservation; in addition, there is a lot of local summer fruit available at the moment. In contrast, the newly produced Kenyan avocado is holding up well, with quotations of €11/12 for the 4 kg crate. The market for traditional coconuts still has to take off, partly because the weather trend has not stimulated consumption; I believe that the situation will soon improve and there will also be the arrival of drinkable coconuts. With regard to pineapples, prices are expected to increase in the face of gradually decreasing volumes,” concludes Francesco Cuomo.