Brazil is the dominant player at the moment in the lime supply to Europe, this is the case on a year-round basis. Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras all with supply Europe with small volumes.
Mexico is nearly 100% focussed on the North American market and, although small volumes reach Europe. "We don't expect a big change as per the last three years due to lower volumes available and large consumption on their doorstep. The same goes for Guatemala, Honduras and Colombia," explains Rob Cullum from Pacific Produce.
"Peru is now in the low season, which will last until October. The country is just coming out of El Niño, which will cause a slightly delayed start to the new season and Mexico is suffering from droughts in some areas. That said, Brazil has multiple growing regions, so weather conditions can be very variable."
Asia
Vietnam is the only real supplier to Europe from this region and volumes are low due mainly to high logistics costs which is affecting all trade to and from Asia. Then the additional Red Sea problem adding to an already long journey for limes does not help.
UK market
"Demand for limes in the UK increases a lot with good weather, but the baseline volume even in winter is reasonably steady. It is still a niche item, but there seems to be a loyal following. The recent sunshine and the football are a welcome boost!"
EU phytosanitary decisions
"The main talking point for limes is what will happen with the EU phytosanitary decisions. There has been a lot of focus on citrus canker for the past 3–4 years, but now the spotlight is on Elsinoe. This is not a new issue; it is just that the checks are very determined and "suspected" cases take a long time to be verified and with lime time is critical.
"This is really causing a problem in both the EU and UK. The UK is exempt from this issue, so periodically there are waves of containers that are rejected or diverted to the UK from the EU. This causes big price rises in Europe and then creates a mess of arrivals into the UK without a home."
"For anyone trying to run supermarket programs with technically approved fruit this extra level of volatility in a notoriously difficult product is not appreciated. Hopefully the EU and Brazil can find a solution soon."
For more information:
Robert Cullum
Pacific Produce
Tel: +44 (0) 1865877801
Email: [email protected]
www.pacificproduce.co.uk