An unprecedented campaign for the Madagascan litchi

In October the weather conditions in Madagascar were more favourable than in the previous months. At the time, the Toamasina Technical Horticultural Centre, which monitors fruit-bearing progression, was predicting a later campaign than in previous years. Yet better rainfall levels and a quicker rise in temperatures enabled the fruit to develop quicker than forecast. However, it seems that the fruit growth varies between the production regions. This new situation provides grounds for more optimism in terms of the start of the harvests, and consequently, the loading of two scheduled conventional ships. The selected destination ports are Port-Vendres and Sète (southern France).

Reunion and Mauritius will have distinctly smaller campaigns this year, due to lower production intensity. The first batches were received in week 45. Though quantities were no more than symbolic (a few hundred kilos), they sold at very high prices of between €20.00 and €30.00/kg. This early-season fruit has still only just reached maturity, though this will improve as the supply progresses over the coming weeks.