Banana: The average price was distinctly lower than in 2005 but slightly above average. Supply was measured. Arrivals from Africa and the West Indies, losing ground, were respectively 7% and more than 20% below the three-year average. Likewise, exports from Ecuador to all destinations were slightly smaller than those of preceding years (strong increase in FOB price and freight cost) while those from Colombia continued to decrease. Domestic demand was fairly dull as is usual in September but the comparatively attractive retail prices and more numerous promotion operations played a positive role. In contrast, export business was fairly dull. Avocado: The 'Hass' market was very difficult during the first two-thirds of the month. Although arrivals were very limited, the range was particularly wide and quality often uneven because of the very large quantities of unsold Peruvian, South African and Chilean fruits carried over from August. Prices remained at rock bottom levels-below cost price-until the very end of the month. In this context, exports of green varieties went mainly to the markets in northern Europe. Orange: The market remained distinctly under-supplied. Firstly, deliveries from South Africa remained much smaller than normal while only very small stocks were available at the beginning of the month; this was particularly the case for sought-after sizes such as 72/88 (cumulated arrivals at the end of August were some 40% down on the two preceding years). Secondly, Argentinian shipments to the EU were nearly 30% smaller than the three-year average as exporters had favoured the Russian market. Prices climbed and were very firm. Grapefruit: Under-supply was distinctly less marked than in July and August but remained significant. Mexico was strongly present. Deliveries from the Yucatan were well up on those of previous years and were completed by the first exports of fruits from the Michoacán to the EU. South African shipments were also larger than average. However