Banana: Market performance was excellent for the second month running. However, with the holidays, demand held no pleasant surprises for operators. It was even somewhat slower than preceding years because of bitingly cold weather and the passing on of high quay prices to the retail stage. The market nonetheless remained stable thanks to a slight shortage of dollar banana supplies and limited quantities of West Indian and African fruits. Avocado: Market performance was honourable. For the first time in the season, overall supplies were markedly short, especially for 'Hass'. Supplies from Spain were light because of serious production losses. Furthermore, arrivals from Israel were strong at the European level but only average in France. Prices were noticeably higher than average. Orange: The frost at the end of January in the Valencia region of Andalusia did not cause a real change in trend for Spanish goods. Demand was fairly strong but the frequently uneven quality and the large volumes available in spite of the serious production losses did not result in the price recovery expected. In contrast, the situation benefited 'Maltese' oranges from Tunisia and, to a lesser degree, the few batches of Moroccan produce that sold easily. Grapefruit: Performance was satisfactory overall as the shortage in supply from Florida was still as marked. However, sales varied considerably from one origin to another. Sales of Florida fruits were fluid throughout the month in spite of a rise in prices. Demand was more sluggish for Mediterranean fruits - because of the seasonal decrease in business caused by the February half-term holidays. Sales of Cuban and Mexican fruits were even very laborious, but the average prices of fruits from all origins increased. Easy peelers: The market remained extremely difficult in spite of fairly solid demand. Paradoxically, frost accentuated the over-supply of the market with Spanish goods. Prices rose in comparison with those of January but remained we