Supplies of limes from Brazil and Mexico are low at the moment, though prices have not been too high due to modest demand. But, in addition to traditionally good demand for summer, movement of limes is expected to be especially high this summer due to the Euro 2016 football tournament.
“We were in a bad situation with the weather in Brazil, so there was little production,” said Emilien Lori of Georges Helfer in Switzerland. “But now the weather is better, so we should have more fruit.” He pointed to dry conditions due to El Nino as one reason for sluggish production from Brazil.
Likewise, supplies from Mexico are low due to seasonal shifts in production. But Emilien believes supplies will pick up in the coming months, just in time for heavy demand from European consumers.
“The European football cup will bring good demand because that's when people use limes for their cocktails and such,” said Emilien. “For now, prices are around 7 Euro per box.”
Emilien is also looking forward to the next few months because Georges Helfer Switzerland will begin importing fair trade limes from Mexico. They've been working with a Mexican supplier for years, and that supplier will receive its fair trade certification in the coming months.
