2G regulations have been imposed in many places; this is once again causing extreme problems for catering businesses. Sapros Handels -und Vertriebs Ltd at the Karlsruhe wholesale market is also feeling the effects, as Carlo Salerno told us. Delayed deliveries are also to be expected in some isolated cases with regard to citrus fruits. "Depending on which region in Italy or Spain the fruit comes from, a delay of two to three days is to be expected," says Salerno.
Carlo Salerno
At the same time, some sales will be affected by poor quality, he adds. But Salerno expects quality goods to be available again starting in December. "The Italian citrus yields will probably consist of many small calibers, as in the previous year. But it is these that are more popular than the larger ones, as they are juicier and fleshier."
The Italian season started with the Navelina variety, followed by the Washington Navel and Brasiliano varieties. The latter tend to be smaller fruits, but the quality is good. Both the Spanish and Italian seasons last until about April. The Spanish season only really starts in December.
Taste steadily improving, price levels the same as last year
"At the beginning of the citrus campaign, customers were very interested in the produce, however, the right taste was not really there at that time," says Salerno. "Now the quality of the fruit is steadily improving." However, he said, customers in general are still too accustomed to oranges being available year-round.
Price levels have remained the same compared to last year, with minimal upward changes. Again, he said, there have been problems with regard to shipping. "These companies are simply overworked. Sometimes we will wait two days longer than usual for the deliveries. The extreme price surges for materials and fuel are also adding to the problem," Salerno complains.
Unrest in South Africa causes bottlenecks
Citrus shortages had already occurred this year due to unrest in South Africa, which dragged on for about a month. "Goods arrived with a delay of about three weeks, and their quality sometimes left a lot to be desired as well."
For more information:
Carlo Salerno
Sapros Handels- und Vertriebs GmbH
Tel: +49 721 - 62765 0
Fax: +49 721 - 62765 200
sapros@sapros-ka.de
https://www.sapros.de