Roasted chestnuts are traditionally a big seller at Christmas markets. However, this year, the Italian campaign has been particularly sluggish. "The goods have been extremely scarce and expensive since the start of the season," says Rainer Simon, Italy specialist and Managing Director of Christian Sulser Ltd, based at the Munich wholesale market.
In the beginning, the so-called hammer chestnuts, which are considered the highest quality chestnuts on the market, could still be sold for around €8 per bag. "In the meantime, however, prices have risen to €10 per bag, which is simply not in line with the average market price of €5.50 - 6.00. We have therefore withdrawn from this segment for now."
Hammer chestnuts from Italy.
Although the 22/23 season was quite pleasing, it is becoming more difficult to source quality Italian chestnuts in volumes that are in line with the market, Simon continues. "In large parts of Italy, it has simply been too warm and too humid in recent years. This means that a lot has to be cut down, which in turn contributes to more waste and rejects." Consumption, on the other hand, has remained almost constant in recent years. "It's a purely seasonal product. In December, we will sell around three pallets a week, after which there are still stalls that continue into February or March."
Weak start to the blood orange season
Moro blood oranges are also traditionally one of the most popular winter products from Italy. However, Simon confirms that the start of the season has been rather weak here too this year. "The persistently high temperatures have had a noticeable effect on the blood oranges. The fruit is still too small, not properly colored and also very expensive."
Nevertheless, the Moro blood days are currently the only negative exception to a pleasing market. Simon: "Italian Navel and Tarocco oranges and clementines are currently available in more than sufficient quantities, while Spain has exported fewer clementines in particular. The taste of the Spanish produce was also not convincing. The latter also applies to the Turkish satsumas that are currently being traded."
Managing Director Rainer Simon from Christian Sulser Ltd.
Gloomy mood at specialist retailers
Furthermore, the mood at specialist retailers is rather gloomy due to multiple crises and a drop in purchasing power. "Irrespective of this, I also see a downward trend for many products. In my opinion, asparagus is the best example. Until a few years ago, we sold large quantities of regionally produced Schrobenhausen asparagus every year, some of it to other wholesale markets. Unfortunately, this is no longer profitable," Simon concludes.
For more information:
Rainer Simon
Christian Sulser GmbH
Großmarkthalle München
Tel. +49 089 7670690
christian-sulser@t-online.de