The Corona virus has not left Dutch importers and exporters unaffected, with very diverse consequences for the various products. "We have a fair amount of sales in the wholesale markets throughout Europe (the Netherlands, Brussels, Rungis, Barcelona, etc.). These people are currently missing some of the market vendors and all catering customers," says Willem Koole of Frukar.
"The sale of citrus is going very well at the moment, mainly towards the retail sector. This applies to oranges, mandarins and lemons. However, the melons, more of a wholesale product, have lost a lot of sales. Normally, the Easter period with good weather guarantees a smooth sale of overseas melons. "
"There is currently plenty available from Costa Rica and Panama. Prices have not yet completely subsided, but are much lower than two or three weeks ago," the importer continues. "Citrus prices are on the rise, but that is not only due to supply and demand. In Spain you have far fewer workers available for picking and packing stations, and transport has also become a lot more expensive. Because of the corona virus, double crewing is not possible and there is hardly any return freight, and Eastern European drivers now prefer to stay in their own country, which means that the product isn't as expensive, but rather the picture around it, which does not bother us with the sea freight of watermelons. "
Finally, Frukar would like to share in the message below why watermelons are not only very refreshing, but also contain many nutritional values such as Vitamin C and antioxidants. "So keep eating melons!" https://www.promovendum.nl/blog/watermeloen-which-5x-geeget-dan-u-denkt
For more information:
Willem Koole
Frukar 
Tel:: +31 (0) 180 64 65 32
wkoole@frukar.nl
www.frukar.nl