In summer, traditionally fewer exotic fruit and vegetables are consumed. Supplies from various countries, including South America, decrease, and the European market fills up with local produce. Edwin Janssen of wholesaler BUD Holland explains the difference: “Certain products, like asparagus, are grown in Europe in spring and summer. This causes import from Peru to decrease. Pricewise, the exporters can’t and won’t compete, and producing asparagus year-round isn’t possible either. Cultivation and harvest are now better tuned and more focused on periods with high demand and relatively low supply as much as possible.”
The summer shows up in supermarkets around May. Janssen: “It’s noticeable with a product like physalis, which disappears from German stores in this month to make room for stone fruit and soft fruit.” Despite lower demand, specialists continue to offer products like this, and so the decreased supplies do not apply to all exotics, Janssen says: “The real exotics, for which there are no alternatives, like rambutan, pitahaya and lychees, still see normal sales. Fresh corn for the barbecue, for instance, limes for cocktails and dates during the Ramadan, are also popular products in summer. And as soon as the European season is over, demand for Peruvian green asparagus also gets going again.” The decreased import of exotics and the production of European fruit also makes sales more difficult: “The prices for exotics are always higher on average than those of local or European fruit. Particularly in the months that Southern European stone fruit is in full production, sales of exotic fruit come under increased pressure. And demand varies per country, so we have to adjust our export to that.”
By carrying a wide range and offering niche products, BUD Holland ensures a continuous supply: “We offer more than 500 products. This way, you have a product that’s in demand every month. At the moment, for instance, that applies to calabash, flown mangoes and pomegranates.” Mangoes, kiwis, green asparagus and Chinese vegetables are other products that BUD Holland sells a lot in summer.
More information:
Edwin Janssen
BUD Holland