The dried fruit market finished the winter as a whole on an optimistic note. First, a new crop from the Southern Hemisphere began to arrive, in addition, buyers became more active. Optimism reinforces the forecasts of a significant growth of the world economy, which contributes to the growth of incomes and, as a result, the increase in the consumption of a share of healthy products, which include nuts and dried fruits. Of course, one should not forget about other significant factors, such as the policy and the exchange rate, whose behavior is not always easily predictable.

Raisins

South African suppliers, for the most part, are in no hurry to put forward proposals, having done just a few “test” sales to determine the mood of buyers. This is explained by last year's overlays with a previously sold new crop, so serious producers of raisins are now waiting for the final calculations of the volumes of the new crop.

In Turkey, demand is currently low, and wholesale prices on raisins depend on the change in the rate of the Turkish lira against the US dollar. To realize its volumes and compete with Turkey, Iran needs to reduce prices. On the other hand, Iran has a trump card in the form of raisins Golden, which is not on the market.

California is anxiously waiting for opening prices, and in Chile, the situation is similar to last year: the Jumbo Golden raisins again will be a deficit, as in South Africa. Although those who are interested in this particular variety, while they can buy it, it is available. True, prices are growing with each new contract.

In general, the raisin market is unsaturated, and the temptation to buy today, especially Golden, is very large. Price indicators are almost the same as last year.

Figs

Harvest of figs 2016/2017 Turkey suffered from frosts, as a result of which it was collected by 10% less than in the previous season.

As a result, the prices of dried figs are high, and the quality is low.

Dried apricots

With the approach of the flowering period of fruit trees, buyers and sellers of dried apricots are cautious, so the market is not active.

Weather in Malatya is cold with night frosts, and the trees remain in a dormant state, which reduces the risks of the negative impact of March frosts.

Due to the high volatility of the Turkish lira, exporters offer only immediate deliveries to avoid losses on long contracts. In general, prices for dried apricots are stable and at a fairly low level. The optimal strategy now is to close the needs within a month.

Prunes

Prices for Californian prunes are quite high, so buyers are reoriented to the Chilean prune of a new crop, the price of which has remained at the level of last year with a good crop quality. The first deliveries are expected in March.

Pineapple, papaya, mango

In the market of candied fruits from pineapples and papaya, the situation is quite tense. In the coming months, a small crop of pineapples is expected, and only a fertile autumn will bring relief to the market. The offer of papaya and especially mango candied fruit is limited. Market participants are eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new crop.

Banana chips

On immediate delivery, the offer is very low, so new arrivals are sold immediately, bypassing storage facilities. The prices of banana chips are high for both whole and broken, and there is practically no hope for their decrease. The reason is the approach of Ramadan, a period with traditionally high demand for banana chips.

Dried Cranberry

After the approval of the Canadian-European trade agreement CETA on duty-free trade in Brussels, discussions continue on the suspension of the import duty for cranberries from the US, which goes into further processing.

Prices for dried cranberries remain attractive, as the overproduction continues and the industry is working on the issue of balancing supply and demand.

Dried apples

Demand in the spot market of dried apples for quite a long time exceeds supply, so Chinese suppliers increase prices. On a new crop of apples in Chile, clear forecasts are not yet given, but it is obvious that dried quarters will be a deficit.