For those who rely more on nuts and dried fruits, sales are high during the Advent season. Dried figs, apricots and dates as well as walnuts and pistachios are in great demand, especially in December. This peak season is starting for Seyfettin Kaplan of the Seyfi company from Karlsruhe as well. The owner is noting some interesting trends in this area.
Wholesaler Seyfettin Kaplan in front of his company warehouse at the Karlsruher wholesale market
Mexican dates
At the Grossmarkt in Karlsruhe, Mr Kaplan is the only one devoted exclusively to the distribution of dried fruits and nuts. Despite the available delivery vehicles, around 80 percent of its sales are to pickup customers, primarily weekly market traders, retailers and restaurateurs. "It's the peak season for me," said Kaplan. Regarding dates, the sales are already good. "We offer regular Medjoul dates from Israel, Mexican goods round off the assortment from November onwards."
Left: common Medjoul dates from Israel
Right: 'premium dates' of the Mexican Golden Palm brand
A few years ago, the delicatessen retailer added Mexican dates to the product range. So far he has not regretted this extension. ''We sell Mexican dates mainly as premium goods. Compared to the Israeli Medjoul dates, the Mexican products are about 5 euros more per 5 kg carton."
Dried figs are mainly sourced from Dutch partners
Chilean walnuts
A major part of his range of goods the experienced retailer gets from major Dutch suppliers, such as Tovano, Daily Nuts and Denimpex. Even nuts are currently available in large quantities from his site. Kaplan recognizes several trends in this area. 'Pine kernels used to sell very well, but are currently less in demand. Pistachios and almonds deliver pretty good sales.'' Even walnuts from Chile are currently being sold quite quickly, primarily in 5 kg units. ''However, on request we also pack smaller units.''
Nuts in the Seyfi warehouse
Refined delicatessen
Beyond Christmas, the Seyfi company increasingly relies on refined delicacies. Recently, products like grilled hot peppers have been put in the assortment. Olives are also an important part of the product range, but in this realm, Kaplan fears a scarcity of goods: "In Greece, the volumes are limited and we expect a price increase of 20-30 percent."
For more information:
Feinkosthandel Seyfi
Inh. Seyfettin Kaplan
Weinweg 43, 76137 Karlsruhe
+49 721 6239730
info@feinkosthandel-seyfi.de
www.feinkosthandel-seyfi.de