While stone and berry fruits are gradually disappearing from the trade, people's eyes are increasingly turning to exotics. At the moment one can find more and more air shipped mangoes, flown in to (Western) Europe, on weekly markets and in specialized stores. After the Israeli season was completed about two weeks ago, the supply of South American products (including items from Peru) is already in full swing, says Heinz-Theo Werth of the (wholesale) trading company of the same name, based in Schüttorf.
Brazilian air shipped mangoes
Peak season of the air shipped mango
For the last Israeli lots, there was a definite drop in the prices, as the quality dropped off a little. By contrast, the start of the South American season has so far produced very satisfactory mangoes, with largely stable prices and volumes. ''We are currently primarily marketing early varieties, instead of main varieties such as the Kent, which will arrive on the market later. Normally, the availability of the air shipped mangoes is very good from November to March. When the South American season ends, there sometimes is a small supply gap, but we can often cover this with complementary, shipped goods.''
The specialist has been active for quite some time, but he notes that demand has increased significantly, especially in recent years. Werth: '' More and more customers are enchanted by its taste. Furthermore, there is basically demand for them throughout the year. Only in mid-summer does the demand drop off a little due to the presence of local stone and soft fruit.
Passion fruit sells well, especially in winter
Passion fruit 'Hoang'
Apart from the air shipped mangoes, ginger and passion fruit are increasingly more popular. The tropical passion fruit is offered in 2.5 and 3 kg boxes and are selling very well, especially in the cold winter months. ''We primarily have the 'Hoang' brand from Vietnam in our range; these fruits are characterized by their sweet taste. Currently, they are still somewhat scarce in the market. However, it is mainly a winter article for us," says Werth.
For more information:
Obst- & Gemüsehandel Werth
Heinz-Theo Werth
Techniker Straße 6, 48465 Schüttorf
Tel.: 05923/6539 Büro+Lager
info@werthonline.de
www.werthonline.de
www.facebook.com/werthonline