Inflation and economic downturns are having an impact on the purchasing behavior of consumers. They don't have as much money to spend and make purchase decisions more carefully. "We are responding by focusing on identifying value opportunities for the consumer," says Chris Sarantis with Montreal-based Canadawide. "Our buying efforts are increasingly centered around providing value," he added. The citrus deals out of Spain, Morocco, and Egypt played a key role in providing value to the consumer this season. "We had great supply of easy peelers from Spain and Morocco while Egypt came in with great value oranges. Never before has there been so much citrus fruit from Egypt in our market."
The Red Sea issue forced Egypt to send more fruit to North America and with improved logistics, the country is more interesting to consider for imports. Citrus availability from Spain, Morocco, and Egypt was of big help during a time when some produce items saw a shortage of supply this winter. "All imports together allowed us to support all sales activity."
Citrus is now starting its transition from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere and Sarantis is very pleased with the expectations for the southern hemisphere season. "We've already begun loading lemons and grapefruit from South Africa while oranges and easy peelers will start soon." The forecast for the South African citrus season is very good and citrus production out of Argentina and Peru is around the corner as well. "An excellent forecast out of the southern hemisphere should make for a seamless transition and great opportunities to promote."
New blueberry varieties from Africa
On the berry side, there were supply shortages this winter from North and South America. Berry prices were high as a result, but when Florida came in with tremendous strawberry volume, everyone reacted and promoted with berry ads. The African continent has also been offering tremendous value to berry consumers with blueberries. "We've been importing from Peru, Chile and Mexico and now Morocco has become another option for us the last few years and their new varieties are excellent," Sarantis shared. Also, this year, CFIA has approved South Africa as a source for blueberries which will add to our ability to source blueberries. While Peru, Chile, and Mexico will continue to be mainstay sources, the new blueberry varieties from African countries are a valuable complement.
Weather events caused a shortage in table grape supply in South America, which resulted in firm prices this season. "We steered away from some of the challenges and loaded heavier out of South Africa instead in December, January, and February," said Sarantis. "It allowed us to offer our customers higher value for money." In the past, Chile was the only supplier of grapes during the Canadian winter, but now, Peru and South Africa are also very important sources. "As a buyer, it is key to know what's going on in the world and have the ability to move to different sources."
Chris Sarantis walking Fruit Logistica Berlin to meet with suppliers from around the globe.
Stone fruit U.S.
On the North American continent, excitement is building up for the stone fruit season. After a good winter, the southern part of the U.S. is expecting a substantial crop this year. "This part of the country didn't have much stone fruit the past two years due to weather, so let's hope it will be a wonderful season," Sarantis commented. In California, all indications point to a good year for stone fruit as well. A key peach and nectarine supplier went out of business, but the large majority of the company's acreage has been assigned to different shippers. The cherry crop also looks strong. Harvest will start around May 1 and will peak around Memorial Day.
Interested in learning more about Canadawide's products? Visit the team at CPMA in Vancouver, booth #725.
For more information:
Chris Sarantis
Canadawide
Tel: (514) 382-3232
[email protected]
www.canadwidefruits.com