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Sultanas: harvest may start with delay

July 14, 2020 at 9:31 AM , Der AUDITOR
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MANISA. Due to the unsettled weather situation in the Turkish growing region of Manisa, market players expect a later start to the harvest period.

Up to 14 days later

Fresh Superior grapes are now being harvested, while market players fear that the long periods of unusually cool temperatures in the growing regions could postpone the start of the harvest for dried fruit production by up to two weeks. At the same time there are rumours circulating in the market that the quality of the crop has been severely affected by the unsettled weather conditions. Some consider these reports to be pure speculation, as it is still too early to get an actual picture of the condition of the grapes. The last weeks before the harvest nevertheless play an important role in the development of the grapes.

High competitive pressure

Low interest in spot purchases ensures stable export prices at the end of the season. Offers for type 9 sultanas from the new crop were reduced to USD 1.70 per metric tonne CFR Hamburg. Despite planned TMO purchases, Turkish dried fruit suppliers must prepare themselves for competitive pressure from China and Iran. Many Western European buyers prefer the Turkish products to other origins out of tradition and habit, but with price differences of USD 0.20-0.30 per kg, partial substitution should at least be considered. Chinese sultanas, RTU grades from the new crop are currently offered for USD 1.45 per kg CFR Hamburg, Iranian raisins, grade A, type 9 are offered at EUR 1.30 per kg DAP Germany.

Sultanas, Turkey

Type

USD/kg

RTU grade, Type 8, medium

1.65

Grade A, Type 9, STD

1.65-1.70

Grade A, Type 10, STD

1.80-1.95

Organic, Grade A, Type 9

2.60-2.65

FOB Izmir

Weekly exports at a high level

Since the beginning of the season, just under 220,000 metric tonnes of sultanas and raisins have been shipped overseas, about 4% less than last year at this time. In contrast, weekly exports were recently up 20% on last year at 4,687 metric tonnes, while the average export price is 11% cheaper year-on-year (USD 1,983 per metric tonne).

Sultana exports, Turkey

Season

mt

avg USD

avg EUR

2019/20

219,757

2,064

1,820

2018/19

228,419

2,024

1,785

since the start of the season

View more information
price chart, sultanas, type 9, Turkey
price chart, sultanas, type 10, Turkey
price chart, organic sultanas, type 9, standard, Turkey
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price chart sultanas, grade A, type 10, standard
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price chart sultanas, grade A, type 9, standard

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