The Victoria campaign was marked by a fall in the supply level, especially during the critical periods in terms of demand, enabling the fruit to earn decent value despite some quality concerns. The Reunion supply, often imbalanced at the beginning of the campaign by the abundance of small fruits, gradually stabilised over the campaign. Conversely, the Mauritian supply, with a more regular sizing, had lower availability at the end of the campaign. The market continues to favour Victoria from Reunion, whose average rates were, as so often, higher than those of the Mauritian supply, barring a few exceptions.
ndian Ocean Victoria production did not suffer from the cyclone events which often hit the region. However, the supply from both Reunion and Mauritius saw flutters which affected the fruit availability on the markets, and helped keep prices relatively stable. At the end of the campaign, heavy rains in the production zones had an impact on the fruit quality and availability from Mauritius.
Steadier and bigger in terms of volume, the Mauritian supply was also steadier in terms of sizing available. More abundant in the supermarket chains, it was the subject of numerous promotions, as in previous years. Although it is deemed of lower quality than its rival from Reunion, it nonetheless sold on a good price footing.
The Reunion supply, always highly rated by consumers, did however have its usual hiccups, namely too many unpopular small-sized fruits, which struggle to earn value. The presence of these small fruits, sometimes in very large volumes available at low prices, contributed to widening the range of rates for this source, and bringing down the results of certain operators. Reunion fruits were sold above all by specialised shops.
The campaign over the months
Overall, the past campaign went rather smoothly, with average rates up for both sources from the previous campaign. Hence import prices fluctuated between 3.15 and 4.00 euros/kg for Reunion fruits, and between 2.75 and 3.75 euros/kg for Mauritian fruits.
From week 41 to week 53 2015, the Victoria supply increased steadily. Throughout October, the Reunion supply was unbalanced by the overabundant small fruits, of sizes 9 and 10. The operators were forced to readjust their prices for these sizes, in order to prevent stocks from forming. At the end of the month, when demand was affected by the school holidays, the operators managed to remain fluid thanks to implementing promotions. In November, the Reunion supply rebalanced at the expense of size 8 fruits, which were more abundant. Again, it was the promotions which helped keep rates stable, as well as good sales fluidity. Less regular in terms of quality, the Mauritian supply struggled to capture demand, which often told on rates. At the end of the year, the Reunion supply, up steeply and more balanced in terms of sizes, had no trouble selling; aided, if truth be told, by the waning Mauritian supply. Demand, stronger in the run-up to the end-of-year holidays, once again confirmed the festive side of Victoria. The average rates during this first period fluctuated between 3.15 and 3.75 euros/kg for Reunion fruits, and between 2.85 and 3.30 euros/kg for Mauritian fruits.
As in every campaign, the market was less lively after the end of the year. From week 1 to week 12 2016, demand was distinctly lower. Nonetheless, rates remained very strong, and even rose since the overall Victoria supply was limited, and was unable to cover demand. The increase in volumes before Easter was readily absorbed, since the market was short of fruit. It simply resulted in a fall in prices, which had reached their highest level of the campaign. During this period, the average rates were 3.75 euros/kg for Mauritian fruits, and fluctuated between 3.25 and 4.00 euros/kg for Reunion fruits.
From week 13 to week 35, demand gradually switched to seasonal fruits, with their higher availability and low prices. So the Victoria market was quieter. Meanwhile, the overall supply was smaller. We saw the range of rates synchronise between the two sources, due in part to the fact that only pineapple die-hards were still purchasing. This synchronisation came at the expense of the Reunion supply, unbalanced by an overabundance of size 8 fruit, with prices having to be revised downward. From week 33, the average prices for both sources were approximately 3.25 euros/kg.
From the beginning of September, the Victoria market seems to have revived somewhat. However the supply is still fairly limited, though it should gradually build up for the end-of-year holidays
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