The Dutch company, TripleF Fruit, specializes in importing overseas fruit. Last week, it received its first container of Royal Gala apples from the Taylor family in New Zealand. "We always get good apples from that grower. The brand is known as the top of the top, and the apples look fantastic this season again. The fruit's firm, with good coloring," says Daniela Aguirre of TripleF Fruit.
"Ocean freight rates are rising, and there are high costs throughout the supply chain. We, thus, had to be somewhat reserved in our import of New Zealand apples." TripleF has been exclusively offering the full apple package - Royal Galas, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Pink Lady, NZ Queen, Fuji, and Golden Delicious - from the family-owned New Zealand company for more than ten years. "Overall, we should have 25 to 30% fewer apples coming in this season," explains Daniela.
There is still a lack of demand for apples. "There's demand for the apples from New Zealand, but the high prices and nice weather are keeping that market quiet. For now, many people are still choosing products other than apples."
However, when it comes to South African stone fruit, TripleF had a good season. "This nectarine season was similar to the last one, but we were delighted with particularly the plums. Our retail programs focused on South African stone fruit. That's where our partners are highly specialized," says Daniela. The importer offered a mix of yellow, black, and red, 500g plums, and 5kg boxes of nectarines, as standard.
Daniela Aguirre
"Outrageously high shipping costs"
Still, logistics remain challenging. "Delays mean we're faced with 60 days of transport from port to port. Also, shipping costs are outrageously high, which greatly affects the selling price. This year, for example, it costs 50% more to transport from Chile. Raw material suppliers, too, are abusing their position, creating many challenges for us. I consider it the chain's responsibility to brainstorm to contain costs, but that's still a world away."
"The fruit's good, but there are generally plenty of challenges this season again. However, we're grateful for the cooperation between our customers, suppliers, and us. We can keep delivering the whole package from field to consumer. That's our long-term focus," Daniela concludes.
For more information:
Daniela Aguirre
TripleF Fruit
6 Watermolenweg
4191 PB, Geldermalsen, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 881 851 000
Email: info@tripleffruit.com
Website: www.tripleffruit.com