As in the previous year, the climatic conditions such as dry winds and high temperatures to the olive trees in Spain. Add to this: Scarce irrigation possibilities. Nevertheless, some local connoisseurs report fruit of an acceptable caliber. In olive groves with little or no irrigation, however, the fruit is already beginning to wither on the trees. Because of this premature ripening as well as the fear of theft and the shortage of labor, harvesting began earlier than usual.

Overall, our local partner reports an increase of almost 8 percent lower total harvest volume compared to the usual average. However, as prices for olive oil remain high, it is unclear what quantities will ultimately be available on the market as table olives - or will flow into oil production.

The figures we received from Egypt we would like to share with you: This is where this year's Harvest volume estimated to be 40 percent lower than in 2023.

At the beginning of the year, things looked bleak at the Artichoke heaven. Too hot temperatures and a lack of water had the Harvest in Spainwhich usually starts at the end of December, was significantly delayed (i.e. into January). Harvest volumes were lower and prices rose as a result. However, things are currently looking very good for the coming winter harvest due to the milder temperatures and the Spanish producers anticipate a good season.

The situation is similar in EgyptEverything currently looks like the harvest can start as usual in January. Our local contact also reports that good quality and a larger cultivation area compared to the previous yearso that the expected harvest volume is 45,000 tons. However, due to the continuing high inflation in the country High prices expected for artichokes.

The 2024 apple season presented itself as exciting and challenging early on. Even at the beginning of the year, the first signs of a Lower harvest in Poland (the most important apple-growing country in Europe). Premature blossoming and frost damage in spring gave an early indication that the harvest volume in Poland would be significantly lower than in the previous year. This had a far-reaching impact on the apple market, particularly on prices and the availability of industrial apples. The combination of a reduced harvest in Poland and stable demand has led to a noticeable price increase led. The price of canned apples stabilized relatively quickly over the course of the season and is now significantly higher than last year's prices. It appears that the price increase has been accepted by the industry as a whole, partly due to the higher prices of other canned products and foodstuffs. The availability of raw produce in Poland is now falling sharply. The situation is different in Italywhere the harvest has been finished for a few days and quantities still available are. However, we are also seeing increased prices here. For example, the Commodity price 25 percent higher than in the previous year. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops in Q1/2025.

Our colleagues Eduard Kekel and Sarah Weitzbrich are your competent contacts and will be happy to help you with any questions you may have.

Low catches keep the Tuna prices remain high in Asia and South America. In Bangkok, for example, it is currently USD 1,580 per tonne (as at 21.11.2024). Only the prices for goods from the Indian Ocean are currently slightly cheaper, but in terms of volume they are hardly significant in the global market. Our expert's assessment: "Prices will likely to remain stable at this level until the end of the year and possibly increase slightly at the beginning of 2025." This is nothing unusual, as seasonal price fluctuations often follow this pattern. However, it is currently difficult to predict whether catches will improve again from May/June and prices will fall again as usual. Not least because of the uncertain effects of the cold-water period caused by La Niña.

In addition to the high commodity prices, the Freight rates into account. To put it in figures: For the 60.5 oz can, we are talking about a total price increase of 3-4 USD per can. Added to this is the strong dollar as a further price driver, as tuna is paid for in USD and imported into the eurozone.

The only Price leversthat we are currently seeing here is the packaging - more precisely the Pouch. In view of rising material and freight costs, it could lead to the real alternative to the classic can become. Its transportation is not only more space-saving and therefore cheaperThe pouch also has numerous advantages in use. For example a reduced packaging wastewhich not only scores points in terms of sustainability, but also with a view to the new fee schedule for dual systems in 2025 (click here for the exciting Interview with Diana Uschkoreit on this very topic). Added to this is the simple handling due to Easy tearing and no dripping. This is because significantly less oil is required for packaging in the pouch - which in turn less expensive is. All these advantages stand for themselves and are hardly associated with any restrictions on the best-before date (BBD) or the remaining shelf life. In our ADRIA range we currently offer pouches with tuna chunks in water or sunflower oil. Eve-Florence Gölz is your contact here.

Good news has reached us on the subject of pears - our expert is currently in Qingdao (China) on site. The conditions for the 2024 harvest are favorable, which is expected to lead to a Production increase of 3 to 5 percent compared to the previous year will result. Furthermore, since the 2023 harvest Slight fall in material prices for packaging prices are expected to remain stable or even fall below the level of the 2023 harvest. In addition, demand from overseas has fallen sharply. Most processors have been forced to focus on the domestic market over the past three years, which has actually secured them better prices.

After the Severe storms in Spain The all-clear has been given by our mandarin producer. The rain, which had flooded parts of the country, has our packers are not sustainably damaged. Some limited parts of the site were flooded with water, but the important areas such as the production facilities, the warehouse and the labeling and loading areas are still safe. Not affected. The plantation also seems to be in order. Prices are still pending.

Also in the Turkey are reliable Price forecasts difficultour experts report on a (still) confusing situation. In China In contrast, producers assume that the Harvest volume up to 50 percent lower compared to last year. The raw material is currently approx. 30 percent above last year's prices traded.

Experts report on changing developments on the Thai commodities market. Heavy rainfall affected the quality of the fruit, meaning that some of the fields were harvested prematurely. In October, the total quantity was 54,800 tons, which corresponds to a Decline of 9 percent compared to original expectations corresponds. Harvest volumes fluctuated in November: In the first week of November, 3,000 tons per week were still being harvested, while the yield later fell to between 2,000 and 2,300 tons per week. The Commodity prices show ups and downsAt the beginning of October, the price was THB 13/kg, but fell to THB 11.50/kg by the end of October. In November, prices rose to between 11.80 and 12.20 THB/kg. For December, prices are expected to be between 10.50 and 11.00 THB/kg. It will be difficult for packers to offer a selection until February/March - large slices are still not available. The winter pack is considered by experts to be difficult until the end of February/March. The Weakening euro and the still high sea freight rates lead to a high price level in Europe. If you have any questions about pineapples Fabian Kretschmer gladly at your disposal.

Addendum by the editors on November 29, 2024:

There were new developments shortly after this Food News went to press. The price of pineapple has risen to over 13.50 THB/kgThis is due to several factors. Firstly, most packers decided last Thursday to hold back their supply for the entire week, as the harvest yields were lower than expected and numerous orders are still open. Due to the high demand, farmers are harvesting ahead of schedule, but at the expense of quality.

In addition, there is unexpectedly high demand in Thailand, which is partly due to supply problems in Indonesia and the Philippines and is driving Thai commodity prices up further. The upcoming Chinese New Year and Ramadan, which begin in February 2025, are also contributing to the strong demand. Overall, the current situation is difficult to assess.

Kidney beans are currently a Rare commodity and the situation that we have already reported in our Food News in September has not improved. Even then, it was clear: in the USA and Canada there are no offers to sell the goods in China remains in the country, Argentina is only a limited alternative for qualitative reasons. Now the situation has even worsened: strikes have led to considerable delays in the shipment of dried raw materials from North America. The problems are therefore increasing for all manufacturers, but we are still optimistic. For all questions Thomas Schneidawind Your right contact.

November is the time to take stock after the harvest and take a look at the different countries of origin.

In the South of Italy, the season was extremely successfulTwo million tons were already processed in August and a final volume of between 2.8 and 2.85 million tons is expected. In contrast to this Northern Italy struggling with the worst harvest in the last 20 years. Rain in spring affected the season early on, and some fields were flooded both during planting and during the late harvest. The final harvest is expected to be 2.4 million tons - well below the forecast of 2.8 million tons. Demand for "tomatoes - made in Italy" is currently strong, leading to high prices for Italian industrial produce. Prices for products such as passata and pulp are also at a high level. Tomato paste, especially in organic quality, is hardly available.

In Portugal started the harvest latebut with a final volume of just under 1.5 million tons Successfully completed. This is in line with estimates and only slightly below normal, which is due to the season without heatwaves. Our expert reports consistently good quality.

Also in Spain's weather was mostly favorablewith only a few weeks of extreme heat. September was particularly pleasing as it was dry and mild, resulting in yields of almost 100 tons per hectare in Extremadura. The harvest in the north has not yet been completed, but the production estimate remains unchanged at around 3.06 million tons.

In Turkey, the season went relatively smoothly - with normal temperatures, sufficient water and no interruptions due to heavy rainfall. However, the Brix value was quite low throughout the season at 4.6, which was a challenge for processors - but the color and taste were good. An annual volume of 2.4 million tons will probably be achieved. Due to the low prices this year, it is likely that farmers will want to process fewer tomatoes next year.