A few years ago, a Bolivian supplier contacted Frukar, asking if they could distribute their lemons in Europe. This year, large volumes are headed this way for the first time, and they're eagerly taken up by a market where shortages are commonplace. "We receive three or four containers every week, but they hardly hit the ground," Willem Koole relates.
"At the moment, lemons are about the only fruit that's really selling, so for us it's a perfect time to get started. The Argentine supply has halved due to frost damage, so the lemons from Bolivia - where frost hasn't been a problem - sell well," the importer continues. Frukar also has Argentine lemons on offer, but - as is the case with other importers - that volume is a lot lower. The price level of Argentine lemons is around 25-27 Euro. The Bolivian ones sell at around 23-24 Euro.
"In the past, our supplier delivered more to the South American market and industry. They worked with the Lisbon variety. That lemon is a bit rounder, with a juice content and peel comparable to the Argentine lemons. They do tend to have some more peel damage", Willem says. "We will continue with the lemons from Bolivia until the end of August at least, and possibly until the first weeks of September. Demand will remain high for a while. At the moment, demand is coming from various clients in various places, also outside Europe."
For more information:
Frukar
Handelscentrum ZHZ 61
2991 LD Barendrecht
Tel.: +31(0)180 65 48 58 +31(0)180 65 48 58
Fax: +31(0)180 65 45 35
www.frukar.nl