In the exotics area, mangoes have been at the top for several years. Although on the supermarket shelves one mostly finds shipped Brazilian products, which still have to ripen. The specialized retailer prefers matured mangoes flown in from Peru. And according to Bavarian importer Alfred Kammerer of the wholesale company of the same name, there is indeed a slow shift towards matured mangoes.
But the consumer is more and more open to the quality of the products, transported by plane. Not least because the fruit is mainly flown in on passenger flights, so there is no additional environmental impact. “By ship, the goods are some 14 to 21 days underway. Since they lack sunlight during that time these goods do not get the right taste or sugar content. Tree-ripened mangoes, on the other hand, remain much longer on the tree. They ripen more naturally and maintain their full exotic flavor,” says Kammerer.
But the consumer is more and more open to the quality of the products, transported by plane. Not least because the fruit is mainly flown in on passenger flights, so there is no additional environmental impact. “By ship, the goods are some 14 to 21 days underway. Since they lack sunlight during that time these goods do not get the right taste or sugar content. Tree-ripened mangoes, on the other hand, remain much longer on the tree. They ripen more naturally and maintain their full exotic flavor,” says Kammerer.
Competitors
The price differences are accordingly: depending on the size and quality, for a supermarket mango you pay on average between 1-2 euros, compared to 4-5 euros for a tree-ripened mango. The Kent mango variety is the most popular among consumers, followed by the Palmer mango. The Kent is not too fibrous and sweet, the Palmer mango somewhat sour. In addition to these, there is also the Tommy Atkins, more taste neutral and fibrous.
Kammerer also notes that the Papaya Formosa is gaining importance in Germany. This papaya is a tropical all-rounder, with sweet, juicy flesh and a refreshing taste. It is also low in calories and available all year round. In addition, there is passion fruit from Vietnam, which is also flown in. "This fruit’s strong points are that it is very nourishing and larger than the conventional shipments from Colombia. Its taste is refreshingly exotic. The product is especially interesting for hotels and gastronomy because it gives a conventional fruit salad a real exotic touch.”
Kammerer GmbH was founded in 1985 by Alfred Kammerer and has since then specialized completely in the distribution of exotics. Meanwhile, the product range includes Canadian/Chilean cherries, Brazilian papayas, all-year-round mangoes from all over the world, Asian exotics and specialty foods and mini vegetables from South Africa.
For more information:
Kammerer GmbH - Exotic Fruits Import/Export
Management: Alfred und Patrick Kammerer