Just as in the conventional market situation, the Corona pandemic has also made big waves in the realm of organic goods. But the virus had a rather positive effect on demand. Anasse Amarouche and Klaus Reinhard, Managing Director of A&R Fruchtimpex LLC, look back on these eventful months. According to the organic wholesalers, the demand has risen in almost all product areas. Above all, regional products are particularly in vogue.
In February 2019, the existing individual company was transformed into A&R Fruchtimpex. With the move from Hanau to Rosbach, a considerable increase in capacity was achieved. "At the new location, we have three cold stores and an organic partner company with whom we exchange information. This puts us in an even better position to serve regional food retailers and organic food retailers," they explain.
Snapshots of current goods
Demand for regional goods is up
The young company has also been able to expand its product range accordingly. "We continue to rely on the direct procurement of goods from the major growing countries in Europe, such as Spain, France and Italy. However, we have noticed that the demand for regional products has risen considerably, especially due to Corona. We have therefore expanded our product range to include regional alternatives where possible".
Regionality is often a decisive purchasing argument, especially for regular organic customers. "At the same time, I don't believe that the individual organic labels, whether Bioland or Demeter, are ultimately decisive. Many growers' associations are currently also listed with the discounters and have lost exclusivity over the years," Reinhard says.
Organic exotic fruits
Increase in demand
The second marketing year of the young company is completely dedicated to Corona. "At the beginning of the crisis, the classic products, such as potatoes, onions and carrots, were in great demand. Overall, we have observed an increase in demand for almost all products. Due to the more difficult general conditions in terms of transport and logistics, there were also bottlenecks for imported goods in some cases. In the meantime, the situation has returned to normal and we do not see any major fluctuations in the market."
At A&R Fruchtimpex, the current assortment is also seasonally dominated by pome fruit.
Expand supplier network
The combination of the skills and the supplier and distribution networks that the two partners of A & R Fruchtimpex have been able to develop enables them to offer a wide range of products. Reinhard: "We can mention, for example, the aromatic herbs in pots from Italy in the period from February to May, as well as products from Spain, Belgium and Morocco."
The guiding principle of the company is as follows: "We want to work on the existing and continue to grow healthily. In addition, we have set ourselves the goal of gradually expanding our producer network and sourcing countries."
For more information:
A&R Fruchtimpex GmbH
Klaus Reinhard 
Bornweg 100
61191 Rosbach
Tel.: +49 6003 / 9347488
Mobile: +49176 / 73882896
Fax.: +49 6003 / 9347490
Mail: klaus.reinhard@ar-fruchtimpex.de