Banana: The results are positive. Indeed, a price increase of over 30 percent in comparison with last year more than makes up for the distinct decrease in the quantities from the West Indies and Africa sold in France. However, local demand is more sluggish than usual and operators are puzzled. Avocado: September is traditionally one of the best months of the year for avocado (average price greater than FrF10.50 per kg over the past five years). September 2001 was mediocre even though shipments returned to a modest level. Substantial problems of quality and weak demand slowed the price recovery that started at the end of August. Orange: Prices returned to average levels in September after the euphoria of the summer. Although arrivals have decreased, supplies remained ample with large stocks available, especially of small grades. Grapefruit: The grapefruit market was very distinctly under-supplied in September. Although prices were lower than in August they were noticeably higher than last year. Lemon: The large shipments from Argentina combined with the traditional decrease in demand at the end of the holiday season meant that the market was unable to conserve its balance. Nevertheless, performances were satisfactory in comparison with the very special 2000 season (early end and low prices because of quality problems).