Start of the Madagascan litchi campaign

The Madagascan litchi harvest was set for its official start on 21 November 2023, i.e. more or less the same as last year. The first ship started loading overnight from 21 to 22 November. In spite of the loading conditions being disrupted by some rain, the operation proceeded quickly. The ship left the port of Toamasina on the morning of Friday 24 November. It would take the northern route via the Suez Canal, and is due to reach the French Mediterranean port of Port-Vendres on around 7 or 8 December, subject to favourable sailing conditions. It is carrying approximately 5 400 tonnes in its hold.

The litchis will arrive in Europe in the latter half of week 49, thereby obtaining three trading weekends before the Christmas holidays. The second ship will dock 4 or 5 days later, with a predicted cargo of 7 800 tonnes.

This year’s litchis should provide good taste quality, though the adverse weather conditions during the fruit-bearing period will doubtless result in a certain lack of bulk.