commodities

COMMODITY MARKETS

Since opening in June last year, you might have noticed that the price of products in the dried fruits, nuts, seeds and grains section at Woodbridge Healthfoods varies from delivery to delivery. This is because we are managing to source these items as close as possible to the original importers, thereby eliminating many of the “middle man” stages. At present the majority of prices seem to be rising, as increased costs of production and transport take effect, but on occasion they do also fall. However, all of these goods are affected by a number of factors, which we find of interest, and thought you would like to share this information.

Fruit
Fruit prices are rising. You probably already know how badly apricot prices have fared as a result of frost damage and most other fruits would seem to be following. Short crops and high demand seem to be receiving the blame.


Nuts
Almond prices (prod. Spain) have come down, but the price of just about every other type of nut is going up. Macadamias and Pecan prices are very high and new non-contract Brazil stock is being quoted at a 33% increase.

Pine Nuts (prod. China) have increased in price significantly.

The above has, inevitably, had a run-on effect on the prices of snack mixes and mueslis.

Seeds
Pumpkin seeds (prod. China) seem to be rising with each delivery.

Other
Aloe Vera: The cost is dependent upon where this is being cultivated. In Australia, they have suffered severe weather conditions this year that resulted in a delay in picking the harvest. They had 34 inches of rain in 2010, and a category 3 cyclone hit the coast 800 kms north of one of the farm that supplies Aloe Vera. Further rainfall meant that they were unable to harvest the Aloe leaves, and the fields needed to dry out before harvesting could begin again.

Rice: ↓Brown Basmati Rice – ↓42p from £2.52/500g to £2.10/500g

Cotton: We have heard that there may be supply interruptions with Cotton Soft products over the coming months. The last two cotton crops have failed and India has put a ban on all organic cotton raw material.

Garlic, Nutmeg, Turmeric and all forms of pepper have risen sharply.

A slight improvement in the exchange rate may see prices start to ease, but according to our suppliers, “don’t hold your breath”.