Many importers have already stopped offering Spanish stone fruit but not Wilko Fruit from Breda, the Netherlands. This importer expects to continue with these until, at least, mid-October.
"We work with the largest private packaging company in Spain. They have about 65,000 tons of their own production. This grower changes the variety about every six to seven days. This means we can extend the stone fruit season," says Wilko Fruit's Alejandro van der Zwaard.
This Dutch importer stopped offering platterina peaches a while ago. The paraguayo season is also over. However, there are still nectarines and peaches in his assortment. "The season is going well, and prices are fairly stable. Stone fruit tends to become dehydrated later in the season. But we have not had any issues with that," says the importer.
"We are satisfied with the season. We have never sold so much stone fruit before. Stone fruit sales are very weather-dependant. This rainy weather we are having does not stimulate sales. But when there is good weather overseas, it offers ample opportunities."
"For example, we have sold a lot of stone fruit to Sweden. Eastern Europe is also asking for decent volumes. Dutch supermarkets and market vendors come to us, specifically. These market vendors are from the whole of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany," adds Alejandro.
Wilko Fruit has already stopped offering Italian stone fruit. "Their quality deteriorated. More clients preferred the Spanish products above those from Italy." In the winter season, this importer will get cherries from Tasmania, Argentina, and Chile. They will also import Chinese peaches and nectarines.
For more information:
Wilko van der Zwaard
Wilkofruit b.v
5212 IABC
4814 RA Breda, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 765 244 460
wilko@wilkofruit.com
www.wilkofruit.com