General Otulook:

September 1, 2004


Cumin
It is extreemly difficult for Turkey to compete with other origine Syria. Prices are firm in Turkey as they are on lower levels in Syria. In this way Turkish exporters are loosing business and not competitive. Unfortunately we do not forsee a big change in this situation in the coming months.

Anise
Market quiet and prices are somewhat weak. New crop has been collected and an price increase is depending on the demand from abroad by importers. Turkey has a very nice fancy quality of Anise Seeds with a nice Volatile Oil level, good smell and flavour. Superiour to other origins.

Blue Poppy Seeds
Prices expected to rise more firm but demand for Turkish merchandise is still weak as there is still suplly from other origin, mainly Eastern Europe. If stocks are getting smaller on that side the interest might turn to Turkish Poppy. We expect more activity by end of September / October and slow but steady increase during the coming months.

Fennel Seeds
Somewhat weak, new crop harvesting has started. Price increase normally after November / December as crop harvested is small each season. Good quality is always difficult to obtain after December.

Laurel Leaves
New crop has started on high levels from Turkey with prices for the cheapest grade FAQ Pressed material already between the 1650 – 1800 level depending on quality / colour. Main reason is that demand for pressed material is high especially the demand from Hong Kong has grown and doubled in the last couple of years. ( See our web site link, http://www.mondialint.com/export.htm). We expect firm market for whole season and firmer prices for the hand select grades Laurel Leaves. It is important to cover yourselves for high volumes especially the Hand Select as most likely exporters not willing to make extra stocks for product which is not under contract.

Oregano
Steady and easy market for the moment. New crop collecting finishing soon. We do not expect much fluctuations on this item for the coming months. Above quotes are for a fair, well cleaned ASTA grade product. Please contact us for detailed info.

Sun Dried Tomatoes
Weather conditions have been good in the last 2 months during the drying periode with no rain reported in the Izmir area. Most producers are entering the last week of drying as weather conditions might change all of a sudden in September wiht higher chances for the first September rains.


Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any more information or firm C + F quotes for above products.

We`ll keep you posted,
Very best regards.