The Spanish citrus season is in full swing at the Groot fresh group in the Netherlands. "Currently, we have plenty of Clemenules. Spain's largest mandarin areas had lots of rain two weekends ago. Despite that, there's sufficient supply. Most are larger sizes, though; there are few small ones," says Richard Bevelander.
"We carry these mandarins under the Jugosas label. De Groot Fresh & vegetables also offers specially packaged Marie José branded premium mandarins. So far, sales and demand for good quality mandarins have been good. The first Moroccan mandarins are now also arriving on the market."
"Many of our customers have switched to Spanish oranges, and we can meet that demand well. But, we also have excellent quality overseas products. The oranges are slightly smaller, so there are limited large sizes available. At present, most of the oranges are sizes 54/60/70/80. We carry these in our Hartenboer brand. The prices aren't extremely high or low, but the costs are much higher. That was true for the overseas season, but transport from Spain also seems to get pricier by the week," Richard explains.
He says the persimmon season is challenging too. "Spain has a far lower harvest. Our shipper usually continues with these until early February."
"Now he expects to be finished before Christmas. There are far fewer available, so prices are high, and the market, thus, isn't absorbing the persimmons easily," Richard concludes.
For more information:
Richard Bevelander
de Groot fresh group
Tel: +31 (0) 765 307 000
Email: richardbevelander@degrootfreshgroup.com
Website: www.degrootfreshgroup.com