Following a strong start to the South American marketing season in Russia, prices paid for lemons, table grapes and Granny Smith apples have reportedly fallen off the mark as a result of a large increase in export volumes from the region's major country suppliers.
According to Russian importers, prices for Granny Smith apples have fallen from Rbs50/kg (€1.36) during week 20 to Rbs40/kg (€1.09) in week 22.
The situation could be further complicated in the weeks to come since Chile is expected to dispatch large volumes of apples to Russia.
Overall, apple shipments from the Southern Hemisphere to Russia have this season risen by 60 per cent, driven by a growth in varieties such as Granny Smith and Galas from Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Brazil and Uruguay.
Lemon prices have also decreased, say Russian distributors, in relation to the FOB price agreed for this year. Exports from Argentina to Russia have increased by a massive 80 per cent to 50m tonnes this season, although import volumes from Argentina have slowed during recent weeks, meaning prices could stabilise over the next few weeks.
Table grapes, meanwhile, are reportedly selling below their cost value, following a 90 per cent hike in volumes from Chile to 46m tonnes, comprising Red Globe, Thompson and Crimson Seedless varieties.
