Although the temperatures in southern Germany are still too high, demand in the citrus sector is already satisfactory. On the Stuttgart wholesale market in particular, the leaf clementines and Navelina oranges can sell quite quickly. Despite the predominantly good fruit quality, large calibers are currently lacking, says Lutz Siebrecht, Managing Director of Wirth Fruchtimport GmbH & Co. KG.
Spain coming in, South Africa taking its leave
In the Spanish citrus sector, leaf clementines of the Oronules and Clemenules varieties are currently the dominant articles. However, there are not enough big fruits, according to Siebrecht. "Anything less than 75-96 in 10 kg packaging is difficult to sell. For the 7 kg units, the marketable calibers are between 60-66 and 72." Regarding oranges, the current market situation is similar, according to the wholesaler. ''The first Navelinas in all desired calibers have been sold this week. In terms of price, the premium goods range from €1.30 to 1.50 (kilo prices on sale), roughly the same as in the previous year at this time of year. ''
The sales booth of Wirth Co GmbH at the Stuttgart wholesale market
While the Spanish citrus season is gradually starting, even shipments from South Africa are arriving at the Stuttgart wholesale market. ''We are still marketing small, juicy Valencias in the orange juice area. Within 14 days maximum, the South African campaign will be over and I assume that until then, Spanish goods will be available, of good quality and in the right volumes.''
Sweet Susi and Götter Frucht: Two quality brands that have proven themselves over time in the German trade
Seasonal products at the right time
Trends in varieties are hardly noticeable in recent years, according to Siebrecht. '' Of course, there are varieties like Cara Cara oranges which are seasonal anf will be on offer more often at the end of November. However, such varieties are predominantly sold in the delicatessen sector and are not available in sufficient quantities to supply private consumers or food retailers. "Italian blood oranges such as the Moro, Sanguinelli and Tarocco are temporarily not yet available with regard to the right quality. ''Until 10-15 years ago there never were any blood oranges before the turn of the year. Nowadays everybody is trying to already be on the market with them in December. The coloration and the taste are really good until January, in my opinion. In recent years, the trend is also gradually moving away from being first with some product or another; they will now be again on offer at the right time.''
In general, the longtime fruit importer is of the opinion that in today's trade more and more emphasis is placed on quality and taste. It is for a reason that premium brands like Götterfrucht and Sweet Susi have been present on the market for many years now. "Even the big food retailers are loyal to these quality brands, even though they are much more expensive than the standard items. The quality and the fact that the goods are always offered seasonally and at the right time, is surely appreciated by the consumer. In both wholesale and retail, they are still trying to get better merchandise onto their markets." And last but not least, they being on offer on online platforms is also a major factor today, even in wholesale. ''That's why we created an online appearance for the 'Sweet Susi' citrus brand.''
Tropical fruits as a main focus
The Wirth Fruchtimport GmbH & Co. KG is one of the longest-established trading companies at the Stuttgart wholesale market. The company primarily supplies delis, weekly marketers and large retail chains. The company focuses on imported fruits and vegetables as well as tropical fruits.
For more information:
WIRTH & CO. GMBH
Obst, Gemüse, Südfrüchte (Importeur)
GF: Lutz Siebrecht + Rolf Krauter
Telefon: 0711 4860480
Telefax: 0711 48604858
E-Mail: info@wirthfrucht.de
www.diesuessesusi.de/marke/