Compared to the previous year, a smaller apple harvest was recorded in the eastern German region, albeit with good quality. "Sales in the first few months have been relatively good. We have also been able to raise prices, which was necessary to cushion the ubiquitous cost increases in production, storage, and logistics," explains Peter Thuile, Managing Director of BB Fruchthandel based in Altlandsberg (Brandenburg).
At the variety level, currently there are smaller stocks of the Elstar, Gala, and Jonagold varieties compared to last year. However, volumes of the club variety Evelina are almost identical to last year. Thuile: "Across the range, we should be able to transition to the new harvest, although we will have to hold back goods for our loyal regular customers. For certain varieties, like Elstar, we will have to make compromises by ending the campaign in April instead of May/June." This summer gap can be filled with regional cherries and plums, Thuile emphasizes.
Increased plum cultivation
Plum cultivation has gained importance in recent years, Thuile continues. "You can see that the retail sector has been focusing more on domestic plums for the past two/three years. This has led us to invest in the cultivation, especially of later varieties. With Presenta, a late variety that is harvested after Cacaks Schöne, we have been able to increase the cultivation area and thus the production quantity. We have succeeded in extending the domestic plum season." BB Fruchthandel looks back on a good plum year in 2023. "We achieved good prices, and saw a stable demand."
Peter Thuile, Managing Director of BB Fruchthandel Ltd.
Nice growth for Evelina and Tessa
Regarding the topic of club apples, BB Fruchthandel has clearly decided on the two varieties called Evelina and Tessa, Thuile confirms. "Shelf space is getting tighter, while the variety continues to see growth. With Tessa and Evelina, we have two successful and grower-friendly club apples that are particularly well established in the second half of the season. Evelina can be stored and marketed well into August. The same generally applies to Tessa, although the volumes are currently not sufficient. However, larger plants will start full production in the coming years, so we can expect corresponding quantity increases here."
Visit the company at Fruit Logistica 2024: Hall 20 / A-34
For more information:
Peter Thuile
BB Fruchthandel GmbH
Dorfstr. 37
15345 Altlandsberg OT Wesendahl
Phone: +49 (0) 33 41/ 4 98 77 - 0
Fax: +49 (0) 33 41/ 4 98 77 - 49
info@bb-obst.com
www.bb-obst.com