The Mintec Benchmark Prices for fancy medium pecan pieces CFR UK [Mintec Code: 5U10] were assessed at $4.90/lb on 3 August, up 15 cents/lb on the month and standing at a 20 cent/lb premium over fancy junior mammoth halves.
The change in the pricing structure, where pieces are traditionally priced below halves, was reportedly due to a lack of availability of pieces in the wider markets. As a result, sellers have reported they have been crushing halves into pieces to meet demand.
“Supplies of pieces are very tight, so we are having to pay a premium over halves, and this doesn’t seem likely to change in the short term. Shellers are likely making the best margin off pieces, so they don’t have an incentive to lower prices,” a UK- based trader disclosed to Mintec.