Interest in regionality, seasonality and direct marketing is increasing in many places. Tatjana Stöckl of Fruchthaus Stöckl is aware of these issues and, together with her son Levi, is responsible for the company, which has been in business for over 60 years. "Whether it's tomatoes, cucumbers, mixed lettuce, carrots, we offer just about everything that goes into a good salad," Stöckl says. "We buy the produce from the Munich wholesale market, and we get the lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers from a regional grower. In addition to this, we also source tomatoes and cucumbers from the Netherlands."
Tatjana Stöckl
More interest in regional products than exotics
Like many other businesses, Fruchthaus Stöckl was affected by last year's closures. Stöckl: "Unless there's another blatant lockdown, this year will look better." According to Stöckl, it is also noticeable that the already increasing demand for the standard regional assortment is more prevalent than ever.
"Exotics are selling less and less, which is not only noticeable in retail, but also with our customers from within gastronomy. One of the ways that is noticeable is in the menus, which are no longer as focused on exotic fruits." In general, it's a trend that can now be seen just about everywhere. Regionality, direct marketing and organic products are more in demand than ever.
Loose goods instead of packaging
Another trend Stöckl notices is the increased interest in products that are offered loose. "Convenience products are also being sold more and more. After the long Corona period, catering businesses no longer manage to maintain their staff. There is just an across-the-board staff shortage. While I'm not a big fan of convenience goods, it's completely understandable given the predicament many establishments are in that they're resorting to it."
A variety of mushrooms from Fruchthaus
The regional products mentioned include mushrooms, for example, or grilled vegetables such as peppers and eggplants. Mushrooms are sold at Fruchthaus Stöckl in quantities of about 200 to 300 per basket. "We sell them in 1.5kg as well as 3kg baskets. Of course, it's important to make sure they stay white and firm," Stöckl says.
But King Trumpet mushrooms and chanterelles are part of the assortment as well. "The chanterelles have been quite expensive so far, but they are getting cheaper. We can expect about 80 baskets of them per week. At the same time, these should stay nice and small and also have a pretty intense flavor."
For more information:
Fruchthaus Stöckl 
Tatjana Stöckl
Iglauer Straße 9, 87616 Marktoberdorf
Tel: +49 83 42 / 24 35
Fax: +49 83 42 / 4 22 12
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: https://www.fruchthaus-stoeckl.de
