A large part of the imported goods at the Vienna wholesale market in Inzersdorf traditionally comes from neighbouring Italy. Even in these difficult times of Corona, Italian products arrive in large quantities at the trading area. Despite the exceptional situation, cherries, grapes and the like are available in abundance, says Italy specialist Peter Haas with some satisfaction.
The complete range of summer fruits from Italy is currently available in specialist shops. Sicilian table grapes are now also finding their way to consumers via the Vienna wholesale market. "The quality of the Italia grapes is wonderful and the demand is accordingly quite high. In terms of price, the product is priced at €4 to 5 /kg, but by the beginning of July the prices are expected to drop to around €3 /kg," Haas explains.
Haas knows that the Corona-crisis is having a rather positive effect on the market, especially in the table grape sector. "Due to the exceptional situation, there is currently significantly less air freight. This means we have less competition from overseas goods at the beginning of the season and hardly any price pressure."
Cherries in abundance
Another popular summer fruit from Italy are sweet cherries. Despite the alarming news about a loss of harvest and low yields, the market is currently well supplied, according to Haas. "We ourselves only trade Italian goods which we obtain from the Padua wholesale market. In the meantime, however, there are also Hungarian and Austrian batches at the Vienna wholesale market. All in all, early cherries are available in abundance."
Melons: Weather-dependent market segment
The Haas company's Italian summer fruit range is rounded off with water, honey and sugar melons from Sicily and Calabria. "We receive pleasing volumes and we are able to sell the goods at a reasonable price. Only the weather could be a bit better: Because the warmer the temperature outside, the more these goods are bought by the consumer."
For more information:
Haas Obst, Gemüse und Südfrüchte GmbH
Peter Haas
Großmarkt Inzersdorf
1230 Wien 
Tel: +43 1 6175732
haasoffice@tmx.de
www.facebook.com/obsthaas/