The spring-like temperatures of the past few weeks have noticeably boosted the appetite for summer fruits, such as watermelons. "We are currently distributing watermelons from Senegal and overseas, mainly Brazil and Costa Rica, and by the end of the month we expect to have the first Moroccan batches. With a unit weight between 9 and 15kg and an aromatic taste, the Senegalese product in particular is well received. Due to the weather conditions, we are currently observing an extraordinarily high demand," says Ayber Cebba, co-managing director of Wuppertal-based Fresh & Cash Ltd.
Senegalese watermelons are in high demand.
In terms of price, the watermelons are currently between 1.20 and 1.50 euros/kg, which according to Cebba is quite common for the current season. "Especially with imported goods, the high fuel prices and transport costs are noticeable. Unfortunately, we can only pass on very little of these additional costs to our customers," the Wuppertal-based fruit trader notes.
Israeli avocados are also being traded at the moment.
Mini-vegetables as a year-round product
In addition to the first signs of spring, such as Dutch asparagus and soft fruit, Fresh & Cash has been devoting more attention to the sale of mini-vegetables since last year. Cebba: "Mini vegetables have now become a year-round product, because more and more Dutch and German growers are opting to grow mini cucumbers, zucchinis and the like. At the moment, however, we still have to rely on imports from Spain, Italy, Turkey and Jordan." Other highlights in the current incoming goods are Spanish artichokes, Moroccan broad beans and Turkish tomatoes, he said. "The latter item is our perennial favorite, with total throughput per week comprising about three trucks," Cebba continues.
Turkish tomatoes are a perennial favorite at Fresh & Cash.
Steady customer growth
In January of last year, Fresh & Cash moved from its old location at the Wuppertal wholesale market area to the new company building in the southwestern district of Vohwinkel. "We have been able to double our total sales and are gaining new customers every day. We have been able to establish a good reputation, especially in the surrounding large cities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, particularly with independent supermarkets and specialist retailers who previously bought from the surrounding wholesale markets. In addition, we have expanded our range to include dry goods, which again adds value."
Within just under five years, the staff was increased from 3 to a total of 25 employees, the ambitious entrepreneur looks back with satisfaction and adds. "Although we have 4,500 m2 at our disposal at the new location, given the current growth we will again reach our capacity limits in about two years."
For more information:
Fresh & Cash GmbH
Cevdet Cavusoglu & Ayber Cebba
Vohwinkler Str. 119b
42329 Wuppertal
+49 174 3929313
info@freshandcash.de
https://www.facebook.com/cavber/
http://freshandcash.de/#welcome