The fresh 
produce trade is seeing some exciting times: In parallel to the ongoing Corona problem, the weather in Spain and southern Europe has led to supply bottlenecks and price mark-ups in recent weeks. How are medium-sized fruit traders coping with these major challenges? Manuel Kölbl, third generation of the eponymous fruit wholesaler, clarifies things.
Right: Despite the weather, the Kölbl company is receiving fresh Spanish iceberg lettuce as usual.
The company in Bischofsmais (Lower Bavaria) was not left unscathed by the precarious weather situation of the past few days in the Spanish producing regions either. "However, by means of smart, rapid adaptations in terms of logistics, we were able to smooth out the inevitable goods bottlenecks in advance, in close cooperation with our cultivation partners. During this tense phase, terms such as "force majeure" come into effect. The result is exorbitant, sometimes inflationary price rallies in day-to-day business. In many places, the 'price slashing' that is commonplace on wholesale markets ends in immense shortages of goods and complete gaps, as was the case recently with iceberg lettuce and cucumbers," says Kölbl.
In principle, these periodic cold snaps and merchandise shortages are no obstacle for the small and thus flexible Fruchtprofi team. Kölbl: "In 2017, we were also able to cover the supply bottlenecks very well, whereby the weather front at that time not only stopped in Spain, but also literally devastated large cultivation areas in Italy. We even saved one or two competitors from shortages of goods during this difficult time and served them with colorful salads from Verona."
Manuel Kölbl (l) helms the family business together with his parents. Image: Früchte Kölbl
Planning security in the fruit industry
Year-round continuity, as well as sustained supplier contact at ground level, are the dominant factors during this period and significantly influence the ability to deliver, emphasizes the young fruit trader. "Here, we rely on the long-standing and direct cooperation with our regional and foreign producer partners. Jointly developed programs and purchase volumes create planning security for both sides. They allow price peaks to pass us by as far as possible and are the starting point for our supply stability. This means that despite and especially during this explosive situation, our customers are once again benefiting from our strength, a long-standing, partnership-based Europe-wide supplier network, and will continue to be supplied by us with the usual quality and quantity."
Aside from the current weather extremes in producing countries, the past year 2020 was more exciting than ever due to corona, management says in retrospect. "The continued lockdown and associated restaurant and hotel closures are obviously a major challenge for many suppliers. We, too, generate a large portion of our sales from the foodservice business segment. The 'run' among resellers at weekly markets and in food retail can only compensate for this deficit to a small extent."
The vehicle park recently grew by four trucks / Photo: Früchte Kölbl
Increasing appreciation for fruit and veg
Ultimately, however, one can definitely read positive trends, which makes the family business, founded in 1968, look promisingly into the future, Kölbl continues. "The relationship to health-conscious nutrition is reviving in society and the added value of fresh, regional fruit and vegetables continues to increase. In addition, the past summer months show us how high the demand for vacation and recreation is in Germany, especially in the Bavarian Forest. Many of our customers even saw a significant increase in overnight stays during this period of opening."
He added that they had made innovative use of the previous Corona period, including adding 4 new refrigerated trucks to the fleet. "So we are well equipped in the starting blocks and are already looking forward to what is sure to be a very good time after the lockdown."
For more information:
Früchte Kölbl e.K.
Manuel Kölbl
Tel.: +49 (9920) 12 13
Fax: +49 (9920) 90 23 23
E-Mail: manuel@fruechte-koelbl.de
www.fruechte-koelbl.de