The new school year has begun in some regions of the Netherlands, so demand for fruit is also starting to pick up. "That often happens first and foremost with mandarins, as a typical school fruit, these sales are a bit up," says Pieter de Ruiter of 4Fruit Company.
But he is not unhappy with the past weeks' sales. "The hot weather in countries like Spain, Morocco, Egypt, and Turkey means supplies haven't been too high, which keeps prices at a nice level. Our suppliers want a spot-on outlook. It's all a little less feel-good, but it does mean slightly less supplies and better sales."
"Naturally, I'd prefer to make more on watermelons, but a €0.65/€0.65 kilo price isn't all bad. Galia melons sell for €6.50 to €7, and Cantaloupe for between €7 and €8. Piel de Sapos are selling for €10 to €11 (10 kg), so we can't complain at all."
"Argentinian lemons fetch €19-€20, but people are taking plenty of grapes and avocadoes too. The somewhat smaller products like pomegranates, figs, and prickly pears are also off again and are being taken well across the board," Pieter explains. "The first new Spanish cucumbers are being offered, too, but here, we're still somewhat reserved, given the Dutch supply."
The hot weather, particularly in the Mediterranean countries, keeps the importer busy. "This year, the Spanish grain and olive harvest is low, which will affect the fruit and vegetable supply. The weather remains the main determinant of how much trade we get," Pieter concludes.
For more information:
Pieter de Ruiter
4 Fruit Company
30 Handelsweg
2988 DB, Ridderkerk, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 180 641 902
Email: pr@4fc.nl
Website: www.4fruitcompany.nl