The hot summer has left its mark on many places in Germany and neighbouring countries. While the temperature is currently somewhat normalized, the gaze of fruit trading companies is gradually moving towards late summer and fall. One of the classic autumn products is the pumpkin, which has been available for several weeks. After the main Hokkaido variety, the musquee de provence pumpkin variety (of French origin) quickly gains in importance.
Early start of the season
On the sales stand of Mannheim wholesaler Herbert van der Hamm, fresh pumpkins from German soil have already been available for some weeks. ''The season has started about 3 weeks ago for us due to the dry circumstances; much earlier than usual. Nevertheless, the quality of the previous batches is overall good, although the sizes are small due to a lack of water. The price of the pumpkins is relatively constant,'' says a spokesman for the wholesaler.
Domestic supply
During the local growing season the pumpkins of main variety Hokkaido are sourced predominantly from the most important cultivation areas of Rhineland-Palatinate. However, at the end of the season - as soon as the supply of domestic goods comes to an end - the wholesaler also offers pumpkins from the Netherlands or even overseas. Normally, the domestic season runs until November or December. Outside the season, the prices are much higher; sometimes even doubling. It is also worth mentioning that customers place much value on organic produce, and that goes especially for pumpkins.''
During the local growing season the pumpkins of main variety Hokkaido are sourced predominantly from the most important cultivation areas of Rhineland-Palatinate. However, at the end of the season - as soon as the supply of domestic goods comes to an end - the wholesaler also offers pumpkins from the Netherlands or even overseas. Normally, the domestic season runs until November or December. Outside the season, the prices are much higher; sometimes even doubling. It is also worth mentioning that customers place much value on organic produce, and that goes especially for pumpkins.''
Musquee de provence pumpkins on the rise
Although the so-called Hokkaido squash is still by far the leader, in recent years there are also some secondary varieties that are beginning to gain importance. ''The musquee de provence pumpkin is a variety that is clearly on the rise. We expect that the first lots will arrive on the wholesale market next week.'' The main growing area is still that in France, although now there are also musquee de provence pumpkins from German cultivation. In terms of price, this variety usually falls in the same category as the Hokkaidos.
Although the so-called Hokkaido squash is still by far the leader, in recent years there are also some secondary varieties that are beginning to gain importance. ''The musquee de provence pumpkin is a variety that is clearly on the rise. We expect that the first lots will arrive on the wholesale market next week.'' The main growing area is still that in France, although now there are also musquee de provence pumpkins from German cultivation. In terms of price, this variety usually falls in the same category as the Hokkaidos.
Mannheim wholesale market
Herbert van der Hamm, based at the Mannheim Wholesale Market, has been a household name and a fixture in the German fruit trade for more than 100 years. The wholesale business was founded in 1913 and was one of the first companies in Germany to be certified according to international quality standards.
Nowadays, it assortment covers the entire range of fruits and vegetables as well as the complete range of fresh-food and convenience catering products. Its banana ripening facilities complete things and its partnership with the Gemüsering group ensures a first-hand access to German vegetable products. The fresh goods are sold in the market and they are being delivered to specialists, retailers, horeca businesses and the German food retail trade.
For more information:
For more information:
Herbert van der Hamm
Fruchthandelsgesellschaft mbH
Schlachthofstraße 15 (Besucher)
Gottlieb-Daimler-Straße 14 (Anlieferung/Abholer)
68165 Mannheim : Germany
T. +49.621 460 07-0
F. +49.621 460 07-42