Mexico’s lime deal looks set to return to normality during the second half of 2011, following a price crunch earlier in the year due to heavy rain in the country’s main lime-growing area of Veracruz, which cut exportable volume.
“Prices were too low for Mexican limes at the beginning of this year, but the market will be more stable after the rainfall,” Andreas Schindler of German import group Don Limón told Fruitnet.com.
“We expect normal to short volume, so prices will go up for the rest of the season.”
Mexico has developed a good reputation for its lime programme, according to Schindler.
He attributes the success to suppliers becoming more market focused and conscious of the quality of fruit they export.
“Mexico is becoming more organised, professional and modern in its marketing approach,” Schindler explained.
“There is better quality fruit and more quality management. This creates trust and a positive image for Mexico as a country of origin, which is good for the whole market.
“The Mexican government is also investing a lot in the promotion of exports and trade shows which is clear to see.”
Europe can expect to receive 40-50 containers of limes per week from Mexico during the rest of 2011.
The market represents 10 per cent of total exports since the US remains the most important destination.
“Europe is interesting for Mexican lime suppliers because they can achieve good returns, which they don’t necessarily get in the US,” pointed out Schindler.
Although still focused on limes, import group Don Limón has diversified its product range to include bananas, melons and pineapples.
To accommodate the expansion, the firm has enlarged its team and openeda bigger office in Hamburg, Germany, last week.
