The European market is short on avocados, even more than originally expected, after South Africa and Peru’s giant crops from last year whetted an even wider appetite.

Maize: The US maize market outlook remains bullish for the intermediate term (3-6 months) limited by factors such as a strong US Dollar, weather anomalies and a weak Brazilian real.

The markets are experiencing slow demand on all fresh produce. This reduced demand is the reason we are seeing declining prices. Although the supply on all fresh produce reported has been good, there is a build-up of stock as the demand fails to meet the supply.

An average of 40% of the nitrogen fertiliser applied to crops isn’t utilised and could be lost. However, by making small changes to fertiliser use, farmers can reduce these losses and boost margins.

The avocado market has changed a lot in Europe. While it is normally quieter in the summer, this is not the case now due to a shortage of the fruit. The lack of avocados on the European market is a consequence of the situation in the United States.

The South African citrus season is in full swing. Although lower harvests were expected for many varieties, Gijsbert van Leeuwen of Origin Fruit Direct doesn’t fear for shortages on the European market. “The summer holidays aren’t the best period for citrus sales anyway, and besides, demand from markets like China, the US and Russia aren’t really anything to write home about. When these markets aren’t in the picture, Europe is quick to come knocking.”