Trying to pick up where we left off our conversation of last month. The Spanish production was completed in the middle of March for the most part. There was some minor production of 35,000 tons, for a total Spanish production of less than 1.3 Million tons – short of expectations. This in a year when every ton will count and be needed.
We were in Spain for a conference in Madrid after driving through Spain to look at the conditions of the trees after the harvest. We are pleased to report that wherever we drove the trees looked in much better shape than they were last year in April. In different parts of Spain, the amount of rain needed varied. For the most part, the consensus was that more water would be needed for optimum conditions. Of course, this rain needs to come at two different times before the heat of the summer AND after the oppressive heat of the summer in September/October.
So, where are we now? OUTPUTS in Spain were large in March – going out were 135 k tons, of which approximately 40 k tons was local consumption, some minor imports into Spain occurred. As we have written about before, OUTPUTS over 110 K (normal) will definitely impact the carry over heading into the 2017/2018 campaign. The KEYS to this side of the equation 1. How much will the Italian exporters need to get to new crop. It is my view they are not totally covered. 2. How much will the US market need to get to new crop. Here again under normal consumption, US buyers are probably short heading into fourth quarter of 2017. 3. Lastly, what will local consumption in Spain be for the balance of the year. Note however, that normal movement is only 40 k tons per month, that will not move the needle much AND prices are dug in at the supermarket level, they will not go up for the rest of the year.
In summing up, next year is a long way away. Major decisions have to be made shortly for your fourth quarter requirements. Playing chicken and not covering is dangerous. If the carry over heading into new crop will be short and put a premium of oil from September forward purchases. No matter what the new crop will look like. A bad blossom in Spain will make things very dangerous. As it will be too late to make coverage at current levels. We will be returning to Spain in May to get a up close and personal look at the blossom. Stay Tuned.
MISSION STATEMENT
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AMD provides a stress-free environment for quick and efficient communication – all supported by proven supply chain integrity and the latest relevant market information. With that knowledge, AMD is able to accurately forecast and assist our customers in making prudent and educated purchase decisions. To ensure this reputable experience even further, AMD is also backed by a certification from the Safe Quality Foods Program (SQF).
Ultimately, customer satisfaction is paramount. The entire AMD group is fully committed to elevating the distribution of bulk oils across the entire process.
WORLDWIDE FNIANCIAL CRISIS
US politics remain somewhat uncertain. As a result, the stock market is unpredictable. The Federal Reserve indicated that the economy is getting close to the goals set by the Fed. In Europe, some elections will take place, most notably in France. It’s an important one to keep an eye on. While in Spain, the electorate are certainly not ecstatic at their new reality. Yet, the new conditions are becoming the new normal. Spain has some employment and economic growth issues – however – Europe seems to be stabilized and stopped the hemorrhaging.
AFTER ACTION REVIEW – 2016/2017 CROP YEAR MISTAKES
Average Production vs Average Consumption
Source: IOC forecast reports November 2016
Country
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
5-Year Average (MT)
Consumption Average
Differential PLUS/Minus
Spain
842,200
1,402,000
1,311,000
1,190,980
505,000
685,980
Italy
222,000
474,600
243,000
363,760
562,000
(198,240)
Greece
300,000
320,000
260,000
273,980
140,000
133,980
Tunisia
340,000
140,000
100,000
174,000
35,000
139,000
Syria
105,000
110,000
110,000
136,000
105,000
31,000
Turkey
160,000
143,000
177,000
162,000
130,000
32,000
Morocco
120,000
130,000
110,000
118,000
100,000
18,000
Portugal
61,000
109,100
93,600
82,900
70,000
12,900
Algeria
69,500
84,000
74,000
67,500
84,000
(16,500)
Egypt
17,000
25,000
27,000
21,100
21,100
0
USA
5,000
5,000
5,000
6,200
306,000
(299,800)
OTHERS
5,000
5,000
5,000
117,080
516,000
(398,920)
World
2,458,000
3,159,500
2,713,500
2,713,500
2,574,100
139,400
So, as you look at the above – here were the critical miscalculations I made.
1. Not putting enough value in the very low production in Italy.
2. Not putting enough value in the very low production in Greece.
3. Underestimating the effect the delay in the crop had on any possible softening of the market in December and January.
4. Not having a good handle on how empty the world-wide buyers were heading into Mid October – when the early harvest started
5. For some facts and figures – Italy just for their own local consumption was short 320k tons.
6. Never mind the short fall in Italy’s requirement for exports (another 250 k at least)
7. Fully understanding that Spain will be the sole consistent source for the rest of year, when it was pretty apparent in December.
COSTING BY PRODUCT – BUYING RECOMMENDATION
EXTRA VIRGIN: If you are not covered till end of third quarter at this point, one must seriously look at that coverage in earnest. Not sure how much oil can be covered (bought) for the fourth quarter = if your supplier can cover a portion of your needs that would probably be wise to do so. If the blossom turns out not to what was expected or rains do not come. One will be on the outside looking in for your fall needs.
REFINED / PURE: Category continues to follow the trend in Extra Virgin. Turkey remains a small factor and slowly shipping out some quantities.
POMACE: Inexplicably raw material costs continue to remain firm, based on tight availability of crude and the market trend on the other olive oil categories. Our best advice is to cover 60 days out, and HOPE/ PRAY, that the market comes to its senses. In my experience, any market that goes up so drastically over a decent time frame, FALLS dramatically when the market adjusts. Predicting the timing of that fall is crucial to not getting caught with higher unshipped positions.
***** All these suggestions are based on a stable Euro ***** we have instruments in place to keep the currency stable with the flexibility to take advantage of a stronger dollar.
POINT OF INTEREST
Tax Reform – Health Care continues to ping pong around Washington. The critical point for Importers and olive oil is how the conversation goes on the Border Adjustment – in the Tax Reform Bill.
