This year's export season began in week 30 with the first Turkish figs from the Mersin region, followed by goods from the Aydin region. The first Bursa figs are expected to arrive in week 32-33, after which the company will generally switch completely to the tried and tested black fruit. "I recently visited some producers in the Bursa region and the initial signs are particularly promising. In all likelihood, there will be enough produce to cover demand in Austria and for export, although the weather conditions in the last few weeks until the start of the harvest will play a decisive role," emphasises Ziya Sizgin, direct importer and Managing Director of UvaFruit Handels Ltd, based at Vienna's Grossgrünmarkt.
Early figs from Turkey. The export volume for the Austrian and German markets has tended to increase in recent years.
Due to inflation and increased logistics costs, the price level at the beginning of the season is slightly above the previous year's level. However, prices for Bursa figs are expected to be close to the previous year's level. UvaFruit Handels Ltd supplies both the Austrian domestic market and numerous customers in neighbouring countries such as Germany, France and the Netherlands. Sizgin: "In addition to wholesale distribution, programmes with Turkish figs have been successfully run in Austrian food retail for several years now, and the trend is rising. In general, we are seeing pleasing growth and volume increases in fig imports not only in Austria, but also in Germany, with UVA playing a pioneering role."
Due to its thicker skin and longer shelf life, the Bursa fig is still highly valued by consumers, continues Sizgin. "Their season is relatively short, but every year is different. Last year, for example, there were high entry prices at the beginning, but these then remained high and stable throughout the season. Compared to other fruits, however, figs are generally priced somewhat higher. It is therefore pleasing to see that figs continue to attract a great deal of attention this year, despite general inflation and consumers' increased price awareness. The quality and unique flavour of figs ensure that they are still very popular and play a fixed role in the shopping plans of many customers."
Left: Turkish figs / Right: Pre-packed Bursa figs for the Austrian food retail trade. The fruit is mainly found on the shelves in 500g trays of 8-12 pieces each.
For more information:
Ziya Sizgin
UvaFruit Handels GmbH
Wholesale Green Market Vienna-Inzersdorf
Box C 12, 139-140
1230 Vienna
Phone: +43 1 / 615 07 47
Mobile: +43 6769017755
Email: [email protected]
www.uvafruit.at