In the Netherlands, Fruvexco recently received its first container of the new Chinese ginger harvest. According to company director, Tygho Kampschöer, the ginger is of good quality. "Every year, we wonder about this initial batch's quality. The first new harvest can be particularly problematic. The ginger is often still a little damp, and the skin isn't yet completely sealed. And January's European weather always makes it challenging to dry the ginger properly. Fortunately, it arrived in good condition."
"We asked our shippers to take their time. They had to select the product in China carefully. We didn't feel the need to be on the market very early. Every year, in Europe, several containers of still (too) wet ginger is sold. They have loose skin and rotten places. That often happens when you start too early. Sometimes it pays off to be a bit earlier, especially when there's a shortage. But this year, there seems to be no need to sell wet ginger."
The market is expected to be interesting in the coming weeks. Cheaper, average-quality ginger will have to compete with pricier, better-quality ginger. "There's something for everyone. It'll be tricky to get relatively low-priced ginger. That's given the current situation regarding container availability in China. We're paying up to almost six times the usual price for empty refrigerated containers," concludes Tygho.
For more information:
Tygho Kampschöer
Fruvexco
5 Buskesdries
6673 DP, Andelst, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 488 427 895
Email: tygho@fruvexco.com
Website: www.fruvexco.com