Nico Schaft of 888 Fruit Company classifies tamarind as a niche product. However, for his company, on wholesaler’s market Rungis, it’s an interesting niche product. “I have worked with this product for more than 20 years, as long as I’ve been located in France. We’re the largest importer in Europe, with about 15 containers per year.”
This week, the first tamarind from Thailand arrived again. They’re available in boxes of 20x450 grammes. “Last year there were major shortages due to drought. This year, we’re having a normal season, and prices are back to a normal level again as well,” says Nico, who has just returned from a visit to his Thai supplier.
“Our shipping agent ships about 300 containers throughout the world per year. The product is popular in the US and Canada in particular. Our clientele mostly consists of Chinese customers in Europe, but our customers also sell to Dutch supermarkets. Tamarind is often found as a paste, but it’s also sold fresh,” Nico says.
This week, 888 Fruit Company will also receive the first South African pumpkins. “Those prices will be much higher as a consequence of drought in South Africa, resulting in much lower availability. However, we have the entire range, including butternut squash. In the past two weeks, quite a few French pumpkins have been sold due to cold as well, so I’m expecting a good demand for imported pumpkins.”
For more information:
Nico Schaft
888 Fruit Company
Rungis, France
Tel: +33 145603640
Mob: +33 609814815
info@888fruitcompany.com