Consumption of exotic fruits in France has continued despite the health crisis

In a completely new context of international trade relations due to the COVID19 pandemic since the beginning of 2020, CAPEXO draws up an initial assessment of the consumption of exotic fruits in France during this period.

 

 

Mr. GORETE PINTO, Purchasing and Prospecting and Mr. FRANÇOIS BELLIVIER, Development Director of Capexo answered a few questions.

 

 

How has the consumption of exotic behaved since the start of the health crisis in France?

 

 

Despite the higher prices, demand for exotic fruits continued in March, April and the whole of May. Now prices are starting to drop which is normal with the arrival of summer and the success of local seasonal fruit. Despite air transport costs that have doubled or even tripled on certain products such as, for example, Vietnamese passion fruit, sweet potato, lime, avocado or mango. Even ginger from China, which we thought was boycotted by consumers, has seen an explosion in demand and, therefore, a record increase in price. The conclusion that can be drawn from this is that the main exotic products have entered the everyday consumption of the French. There is no longer any doubt about it.

 

 

When will we return to normal?

 

It depends on the products. We had to stop very small exotic products, such as combava or carambola, because of containment measures specific to each country of origin, the increase in air transport costs or even an almost zero demand for our clients. For others, like mango, passion fruit or lime, consumption is becoming classic again, with a loss of speed as the summer season approaches. Except for the avocado who enjoys a strong plebiscite in summer. Founded in 1996, the CAPEXO company imports and markets exotic fruits and vegetables in France under the Lilot Fruits brand. A key player in its flavors at the MIN of Rungis, CAPEXO ensures a constant supply of very high quality taste and nutritional products to wholesalers and wholesale markets as well as to large specialized and general food stores.

 

 

How does the avocado campaign for Peru, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania look like?

 

At the start of June, "World Avocado Month", an operation launched in 2018 by the World Avocado Organization (WAO), the campaign got off to a strong start, with very good volumes. The avocado sold very well during lockdown when the price was high. Today’s promotion must be in full swing, as it’s now on top.

 

 

About CAPEXO

 

Founded in 1996, the CAPEXO company imports and markets exotic fruits and vegetables in France under the Lilot Fruits brand. A key player in its flavors at the MIN of Rungis, CAPEXO ensures a constant supply of very high quality taste and nutritional products to wholesalers and wholesale markets as well as to large specialized food stores (Grand Frais, Métro…) and generalists (Carrefour, Casino, Monoprix…).