Germany: 'Tense market situation in the blueberry sector’

The weather in the south of Europe is leading to considerable problems in the supply of goods in the blueberry sector as well. Due to the cold and stormy weather in major growing areas such as the Huelva region, the planned switch from overseas goods to Spanish produce is being somewhat delayed. In about 1.5 to 2 weeks, the first reasonable quantities of Spanish cultivation are expected to be launched onto the market.

Seasonal change
The food retail trade (LEH) usually tries to secure the supply of goods three to four weeks before the usual intensive shopping week around Easter (week 13). Due to the bad weather conditions in Spain, the quantities available are not so easy to estimate and it will be hard in any case to get the Spanish blueberries on the shelves before Easter. A possible increase in temperature is not expected so far.

Even at Nordgemüse Krogmann GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Hamburg, it is feared that the large quantities from Spain will come too late, at least for Easter. ‘We currently source our blueberries mainly from the growing areas in Chile. There are currently still enough good quality goods,’ says a buyer and seller of the company. Currently, the supply situation with Spanish goods is very problematic due to climatic conditions and the harvest volumes are below expectations, so that currently much more has to be paid for European goods. In contrast to the blueberries, the market situation in the raspberry area is more relaxed. Here, the basic supply of Spanish and Moroccan products is secure, confirms the sales department of the Nordgemüse company.

The booth of Nordgemüse at the recent Fruit Logistica

'Thick Blue'
The Nordgemüse Krogmann GmbH & Co. KG is a traditional import and export wholesaler headquartered in Hamburg. Here a warehouse and a powerful cold store are available, where mainly seasonal products such as stone and pome fruit are stored. However, the main focus of the company is been on berries, and especially blueberries, for many years. In addition to the seasonal supply of the so-called ‘thick blues’ from regional plantations, customers are served with products from overseas and southern Europe during the winter months. In order to ensure supply of retail chains, the company attaches great importance to close relationships with producers and frequent visits to the crop fields to advise and assist them during the cultivation process.

For more information:
Nordgemüse - Krogmann GmbH & Co. KG

Barsbütteler Straße 67, 22043 Hamburg

Tel. (+49) 040 / 65 40 94-0

Fax (+49) 040 / 65 49 2480

E-Mail: Info@nordgemuese.de

Web: www.nordgemuese.de