In the fruit & vegetable sector, trade in Germany is currently in a transitional phase. In addition to greenhouse products from the Netherlands and Belgium, the market is also supplied by random volumes from the Balkans and Turkey. And the Spanish season is approaching too, say people from Rhein Frucht Köln GmbH - Europe Fruit. The signs for the upcoming season are promising already.
Rising competition
Currently, this specialized wholesaler is nearing the beginning of the season for Spanish fruit vegetables. ''Currently we are in a transitional phase. Holland and Belgium will be on the market for another 1 to 2 weeks and the first arrivals from Spain will arrive next week. On average we expect a good season with vegetables with the right qualities. For aubergines in particular, the outlook is promising.''
The company has been active in the fruit and vegetable trade for 23 years and over the years has specialized in Spanish products. A large part of the portfolio is sourced directly from the Almeria, Murcia and Valencia growing areas. Over the years, the competition has increased significantly, especially regarding vegetables, says Managing Director Kar. '' Ten years, ago Turkey and Morocco were hardly present on the market. Although they still can not keep up with Spanish suppliers in terms of quality, the prices of their products are much lower.
Protected cultivation
Especially regarding zucchinis and tomatoes, Moroccan production is progressing rapidly, says Kar. "Turkish producers are expanding their acreage for peppers and hot peppers at a rapid pace. However, Spain is still the most important supplier of tomatoes and I believe that there is even more potential for development in this area, despite today's oversupply.''
With regard to developments in competing production areas, the Spaniards also seem to successively modernize their cultivation methods. Organic production is growing steadily, while protected cultivation is also expanding. The Rhein Frucht GmbH has recognized the potential of roofed production for itself, and in the process has been able to rent out greenhouses directly to individual producers. ''Area costs have risen by 50 percent within a year. So there's an interesting development going on."
Free producers
The Rhein Frucht GmbH is a wholesale company based in the wholesale market in Cologne. Due to problems with two major cooperatives in Spain, the company is currently focusing on individual producers from whom goods can be obtained directly or within 48 hours. The company mainly sells Spanish products, such as fruits, vegetables and classic vegetable crops. Outside the Spanish season, however, the company also sells Dutch and Belgian goods.
For more information:
Rhein Frucht GmbH - Europe Fruit
Marktstraße 10 AU 14
Großmarkt Köln
50968 Köln
Deutschland
T: 0049 172 1777255
T: 0034 640 923541
Email : info@rheinfrucht.de
www.facebook.com/europe.fruit