This year's kaki season is picking up speed as we speak. In the Munich wholesale markets, these Spanish fruits have been arriving daily since mid-September. In contrast to previous campaigns, the average prices are moving slightly below the usual levels at the beginning of the season, says Seckin Yildirim, buyer and seller of specialized wholesale company OR-PA GmbH.
Kakis of the 'El Osito' brand
Low prices
About three weeks ago, the first products from Spanish soil were welcomed at the wholesale market, just as the were the year before. The lion's share of the persimmon fruit is sourced from partners in the market of Barcelona. "The quality of the first arrivals is usually very convincing," says Mr. Yildirim. ''Of the brands we have on offer, the quality of the El Ositos is the best.''
Nevertheless, the prices are currently below the average levels at the beginning of the season. Yildirim: ''Today's average price ranges from €1.60 to €3 per kg, depending on the brand and quality. For normal goods this is rather low, as their prices usually move around €4 per kg at the start of the harvest season.''
Extending the season
Although Spanish products continue to dominate the market, there are also more and more Italian kaki fruits. However, their season starts a few weeks later than that in Spain, Yildirim said. Overall, the season tends to lengthen year by year, and in the Munich wholesale market, Spanish kakis are now being offered until March. Whether the fruit will eventually be offered in the summer as well or could even cover demand throughout the year, is doubtful to the wholesaler. ''I do not think large quantities can be sold during the summer months.''
Pears from Spanish orchards
In addition to persimmon fruits, the Munich-based wholesaler offers numerous Spanish-made products, including herbs, citrus and vegetables. Spanish hard-fruit is also currently being offered at the wholesale market, despite the great presence of domestic batches. ''We have a particular clientele of specialty stores and retailers that will stock Spanish apples and pears as premium items. We are not talking about large quantities here, but it is an interesting, smaller phenomenon.''
Market stall of OR-PA GmbH in the Munich wholesale market hall
Mediterranean products
OR-PA GmbH was founded in 2002 as an independent wholesale center for fruit and vegetables from parent company Microfrucht. For the most part, the GmbH imports premium products from the Mediterranean region, especially from the south of Turkey. The clientele consists mainly of specialist shops, specialized retailers and regional restaurateurs.
For more information:
OR-PA Handels GmbH
Schäftlarnstraße 10
81371 München, Deutschland
Telefon: +49 89 64962580
Telefax: +49 89 64962589
E-Mail: info@or-pa.com
Web: www.or-pa.com