Ramadan starts on Monday, 6 May. "This is a good period for the dried fruit and nut trade. You do not devote all your stock to it. Our foreign clients do, however, do extra trade. This applies to dates, but also products such as cashews and almonds," says Richard Strijbis of Tovano from Maasdijk in the Netherlands.
A 5kg box of Medjool dates
Within the date range, Medjoul dates are still always the crème-de-la-crème. This is according to this Dutch company's director. "However, besides the Medjool, we also offer packed dates from Tunisia and Iran. One client will choose the expensive Medjool dates. Another will take along a box of cheaper Tunisian dates," says Richard.
According to him, the Medjool date market remains well balanced. "The acreage of Medjoul dates has grown considerably in recent years. There are quite a lot more Medjouls available than before. However, global demand is also increasing. This means the market is staying well balanced. It will always be a date that you can charge a little more for," continues the importer.
Unpitted dates from Tunisia, 200g
The nut assortment is also selling well. "Shelled, as well as unshelled, walnuts, but also almonds and cashews are flying out the door," says Richard. Pinenut sales are also going reasonably well. These nuts are very scarce and, so, have become very expensive.
"There are problems with the supply from China. This is causing record prices. We are, however, going into spring and summer, which is pinenut time. I am, therefore, expecting these nuts to become even more expensive," he concludes.
For more information:
Richard Strijbis
Tovano
47 Transportweg
4676 LM Maasdijk, NL
Tel.: +31 (0) 174 528 333
Fax: +31 (0) 174 528 001
richard@tovano.nl
www.tovano.nl