In the citrus fruit sector, produce from the Southern Hemisphere is now gradually being replaced by that from Southern Europe. "We are already offering the first Tarocco blood oranges, which we receive from Spain but which were grown in South Africa. The first Tarocco oranges of Italian origin are expected to arrive in two to three weeks," reports Heinrich Penz, fruit wholesaler in Melk, Lower Austria. "We have been receiving Italian leaf clementines and lemons since mid-October, followed by Navel oranges from the Amalfi Coast from week 44 onwards. In general, we can say that we are about 1-2 weeks ahead of the normal seasonal cycle."
The first pallets of early citrus fruits were offered at quite high prices on the Verona wholesale market. "However, due to subdued demand, prices had to be adjusted downwards," says Penz, referring to the highly competitive citrus market. "Low-priced satsumas from Turkey and Spanish clementines are putting pressure on the market. At the same time, Italy continues to score points with high-quality goods, which in turn come at a price."
© H. Penz
Insight into the citrus range: from left to right, leaf lemons and clementines of Italian origin, and Tarocco blood oranges from South Africa
Average grape and stone fruit season
For the Austrian specialist wholesaler, which serves catering and deep-sea customers along the Danube, among others, the Verona wholesale market is the hub of its procurement. The fresh produce center gives him direct access to producers. Table grapes also continue to be traded briskly. Penz: "Among other things, I am being offered the Italia and Red Globe varieties, while Regina grapes are currently in demand. I would describe this year's grape season as average. We started relatively early, and I wouldn't rule out the possibility that the campaign will end a little earlier." In the final phase of the season, Italian grapes in winter packaging are in direct competition with Turkish Sultana grapes and overseas produce.
© H. Penz
A wide range of Italian table grapes continues to be available.
The Italian stone fruit season is also in its final stages. "The campaign is gradually coming to an end. Peaches and nectarines are already out of season, but plums are still available until the end of the month and are currently being offered at attractive prices. Similar to grapes, this year's season is roughly in line with the multi-year average." According to Penz, good prices were achieved again this year, especially for white-fleshed stone fruits.
© H. Penz
The last peaches and nectarines of this year's European season have already been traded.
Vegetable year with a mixed picture
As is typical for this time of year, the selection of Austrian vegetables is also tending to become smaller, according to Penz, who offers a wide range of vegetables from his own cultivation. "In week 44, we delivered the last colorful lettuces of this year's season. We are also approaching the end of the season for broccoli and cauliflower. We already shipped the first Italian cauliflower in week 44, and prices are at a normal level of EUR 1.10–1.20/kg."
© H. Penz
Colorful lettuces from the company's own cultivation have not been available since week 44.
All in all, the 2025 harvest year is viewed with mixed feelings. "Across the entire range, yields were generally good. However, favorable growing conditions with sporadic rainfall led to an oversupply in July, particularly for lettuce. This, in turn, had an impact on the price structure and the general marketing situation. In this respect, it is always a double-edged sword in the end," he concludes.
For more information:
Heinrich Penz
frisches.früchtchen GmbH
Melkerstrasse 10
3393 Matzleinsdorf
Austria
Phone: +43 275 252 229
Mobile: +43 676 847 379 200
[email protected]
www.fruechtchen.eu
