The winter season has begun and thus the supply of European citrus fruit is increasing rapidly. In addition to the 'standard' oranges, clementines and lemons, untreated citrus fruits have gradually gained in importance in recent years. Fruchtimport Albert Schmidt has been offering untreated citrus fruits of the Spanish label Numen Nature for some years now. And despite the Corona crisis, this product has been resonating the customer this year as well, says Tim Wehmeyer, joint managing director of the Bielefelder enterprise.
The first untreated clementines from Spain arrived in Bielefeld some three weeks ago. "So far, we have carried Oronules in our assortment, and in the course of this week, the first Clemenules will also be added. However, we will have to wait a little longer for the first oranges from the Numen Nature brand," Wehmeyer explains. In general, the European citrus campaign has got off to a good start. Quality is good and demand is encouraging.
Untreated citrus fruits from the Spanish Numen Nature label are enjoying increasing popularity. Wehmeyer: "The good price-performance ratio as well as the attractive presentation is highly appreciated by customers. Thus we are seeing an annual increase in demand."
The arrival of the first Clemenules is traditionally the start of the peak season for citrus fruits, Wehmeyer knows. "Spanish Clemenules are usually traded most between the end of November and year's end. After that, the quality often drops a little, which is why there traders increasingly switch to other products -such as Orri clementines from Israel- from January onwards. In contrast to the traditional clementines, untreated leaf clementines can often be offered well into February without any loss of quality."
This year's Christmas season
The current Lockdown Light has also left its mark on the Bielefeld wholesaler. Wehmeyer: "On the one hand, we have the advantage of offering a full range of up to 400 fresh products and supplementary MoPro and convenience items. On the other hand, we are also quite diversified in terms of customer technology. Of course, we have also felt the closure of the gastronomy business in terms of sales, but we also serve owner-managed supermarkets, weekly market traders, hospitals, daycare centers and school canteens."
Tim Wehmeyer (l) has been managing the wholesale company together with his brother Michael for six years.
Nevertheless, a relaxation of today's restrictions is still desirable. "We are hoping the catering trade will reopen, but Christmas sales are also dependent on other factors, such as the weather, product availability and the price situation. In terms of timing, this year Christmas is timed quite well for retailers. Christmas Eve is on Thursday, which is why we are planning well in advance and customers can order their goods early."
"I would hope that the pandemic will soon come to an end, both for the health of the people and for all troubled industries."
For more information:
Albert Schmidt Fruchtimporte GmbH
Tim Wehmeyer
Oldentruper Strasse 135c
33605 Bielefeld
T 0521 - 2 80 60
F 0521 - 28 77 80
verkauf@fruchtimport-schmidt.de
www.fruchtimport-schmidt.de