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Market Information |
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Market Information |
January 28, 2008:
TURKISH ORIGIN PRODUCTS (January 25, 2008):
1) FIGS – the fig crop was very disappointing this year, and prices have risen to record levels. We have a few cases of 250g cello packs remaining, and there will be additional 8oz vacpac arriving in February. Stocks will be 100% consumed by spring in any event.
2) TOMATOES – were almost as disappointing as figs. Prices have been rising steadily since harvest in response to short supplies, non-delivery, and US Dollar weakness against the Turk Lira. We presently have all styles and pack sizes in stock. We expect acute shortages in sun-dried tomato by late spring. If you need cover for the balance of this marketing season, we suggest you book now.
3) APRICOTS – our quality remains uncompromised. This season has seen a very strong market at origin, with grower prices now at their highest levels since the early 1980s. We do not see any weakening of either prices or demand until at least late spring, when the new crop forecast will determine the market’s complexion for summer. It is always the sharp planner who purchases only the best in difficult or expensive years, and this is one of those seasons. Our brand continues to be recognized as the premier label in the USA, specifically because we do not cheapen our quality in exchange for (perceived) lower costs. We have nearly all sizes and styles in stock and ready to ship – call your favorite GLIT Salesperson for spot sales, contract pricing, or to discuss spring promos.
CHINESE PINENUT KERNELS (January 25, 2008): The new crop has been shipping from China since late October, and the new volumes have done nothing to lower prices. In fact, there are many problems with contracts written for early shipment from this crop, and it will take more time to see if the contracts are indeed 100% delivered. We think prices for both fancy/large kernels and particularly for medium-size kernels will continue to be strong as a result.
TUNISIAN DATES (January 25, 2008): Now is an ideal time to promote our packaged dates from Tunisia. The price of dates has remained more steady than either apricots or figs, so at the moment they have an attractive price point. We have a good inventory of our 8oz vacpac in stock and ready to ship at a moment’s notice.
THAILAND ORIGIN PRODUCTS (August 10, 2007): All tropicals from Thailand have been increasing in price for several months. Both pineapple and papaya had serious shortages develop this summer, but mango supplies are fairly steady, with price increases mostly the result of exchange rates between the Thai Baht and the Dollar - as with nearly all currencies, the Baht has been increasing in value against us. We see no relief from price pressure in tropical dehydrated fruits until at least the late autumn.
Please phone us with your questions or comments at 800.342.0101. Alternatively, please feel free to contact us via e-mail at the addresses listed below.
Copyright ©2007 Great Lakes International Trading, Inc. All rights reserved.
Verne Powell
verne@glit.comGeorge Powell
george@glit.comDenny Malone
dennym@glit.com