INDIA
ALPHONSO
- The 2024 Alphonso season has begun in the Ratnagiri region. The market opened at around INR 30/kg but has since climbed by almost 15%. The season in North Karnataka will start this week and this could help to bring price levels down. Overall, the crop from the western regions looks good, but the southern Alphonso harvests are described as a “wash-out” by producers. Nevertheless, there is expected to be sufficient supplies of puree to meet market demand this season.
- It is still too early for new season pricing, but 2023 supplies of puree are offered at around USD 1,500/MT single strength FOB India for 100% authentic product.
TOTAPURI
- Growing conditions for the upcoming Totapuri are not very positive. There has been no rain in the main growing regions which has resulted in small and immature fruit. In addition, the season is delayed by about 7-10 days which means it will also be a short season. Growers are estimating that the overall crop will be 30-40% lower than last year.
- Demand for Totapuri concentrate and puree has been steady from both the export and domestic markets. India is facing a hot summer, and this could lead to surge in beverages which would result in faster off take by the local beverage companies, say local industry sources.
COLOMBIA
- The summer crop in Colombia began at the end of April and is progressing well.
- Producers are concerned about the current dry climate. The plantations along the Caribbean coast have only just started to receive rainfall after many months of drought.
- Offers for new season concentrate are around USD 1,200-1,280/MT 28 brix FOB Colombia.
- Demand has reportedly been steady, particularly from the US and the Middle East. Producers in Colombia say that some markets such as Europe seem to be covered for the moment.
