When the temperatures in Germany are dropping, traditionally the selection of fruit exotics will increase. "Last week, the first Peruvian air-freighted mangoes arrived this year, a good two weeks earlier than last year, and the smaller calibers - 12 and 14 - are currently shaping the action, but from next week we also expect to see thicker goods or caliber 10 Ugur Özkök, stand manager at the Hamburg-based exotic specialist H. Ehmann Fruchthandels LLC Nachf.
In addition to the first Kent mangoes from Peru, there were also goods from Brazilian cultivation. "Brazil is now about 5-6 euros per colli cheaper, as the Peruvian products are still a bit in short supply. I assume that this situation will correct itself somewhat over the next week. Nevertheless, the Peruvian mangoes are always a little more aromatic and therefore somewhat more popular with consumers," Özkök explains.
Peruvian air-freighted mangoes are the most popular with consumers because of their unique taste. The mango assortment is supplemented by Brazilian mangoes (the Kent & Keitt varieties) as well as ship-freighted goods. The air-freighted mangoes mainly go to the higher end specialist retailers. Shipped goods, however, more often go to caterers.
On 1.1.2018, the current management took over the existing Ehmann company. Since then, the clientele as well as the product selection have been gradually expanded. "We deliver up to Lübeck, Kiel and Rostock, as well as to smaller gastronomy suppliers here in the wholesale market area," says Özkök (l).
Avocado: bottleneck in the market
H. Ehmann Fruchthandels is a well-recognized exotic trader on the Hamburg wholesale market and offers its customers avocados and papayas all year round. Avocados are currently available from places like Kenya and Mexico. "In the wake of a shortage of goods, prices have risen rapidly in the last few weeks: Ready-2-Eat-Ware is €25-26 per 4kg instead of €18-19. Green Hass avocados are doing €20 / colli at the wholesalers, while prices are usually around €10 to 12. However, I expect the prices to fall sharply in late of November - early December," says Özkök.
Right: Although H. Ehmann Fruchthandels focuses on exotics, berries of all kinds are also sold continuously. Özkök: "At the moment we are offering raspberries, mainly from Portugal and Spain, and some blueberries are already available overseas, for example from Argentina."
New products: lychees and figs from overseas
In addition to the "established" exotic fruits, the company also offers certain seasonal specialties. "Today, the first lychees from Colombia and figs from Peru will arrive, and such special items are traditionally very much in demand for Christmas." This product range usually starts with air-freighted goods as well, after which -later in the season- seaborne goods will be added. The campaign starts with high prices, which will then gradually drop off up until Christmas. Both specialty items are then usually traded well into February, explains Özkök.
For more information:
H. Ehmann Fruchthandels GmbH Nachf
Großmarkthalle, Stand 354 
Banksstraße 28, 20097 Hamburg
T: +49 (0) 40 33 62 88
F: +49 (0) 40 32 68 13
Mail: ugur@ehmann-frucht.de
www.ehmann-fruchthandel.de