Marketing of traditional Christmas specialties, such as sweet chestnuts, is now in full swing at Munich's wholesale market. "We have been stocking the tried-and-tested Hammer chestnuts from Italy since the beginning of November, and the season has got off to a good start so far. The Christmas markets are running at full speed again, and that is noticeable in business. We are now selling about double the quantities compared to the two Covid years," says Rainer Simon, Managing Director of Christian Sulser Ltd.
"Nevertheless, we have had the same problems this year that we had in other years. That is, we have a complaint here and there, but all in all, the quality of the goods is fine," Simon continues. The goods are divided into two calibers: The 80-85 size is mainly needed for roasting at Christmas markets and is thus most in demand, he says. The 55-60 grade, on the other hand, mainly goes to retailers.
"We have been selling the tried-and-tested Hammer chestnuts from Italy for many years," Simon said. "Although these are 5 euros more expensive than chestnuts of the same origin when sold per 5-kg bag, the quality of the goods is unbeatable. We do not offer Turkish goods ourselves, but they are also actively traded in the wholesale market. Chinese chestnuts, on the other hand, are hardly ever seen."
Hammer chestnuts
Weak grape season
As a long-established wholesale company, over the years Christian Sulser has been able to develop into the place to go for Italian specialties. Winter favorites typically include La Reginella grapes, which are sold in winter packs to extend the marketing season. Simon: "This year's Italian grape season will unfortunately be remembered as very weak due to the bad weather. We have already withdrawn from marketing two-three weeks ago due to quality problems."
La Reginella: the queen among grapes
Blood oranges: Smaller fruit, beautiful coloration.
Meanwhile, the Italian blood orange season is slowly but surely picking up steam. "About one week ago, the first batches came over. Still, the available volumes are limited and mainly smaller fruits are exported. Nevertheless, the coloration of the first batches has been very pleasing, as was the demand so far," says Simon, who also sells Tarocco oranges from Italy.
Subdued mood characterizes wholesale business
All in all, the current mood at the local wholesale market in Munich is somewhat subdued, he says. "The consumer is somewhat more frugal due to increased inflation, which is why the focus is currently not on quality, but on pricing. This is reflected in the mood at the wholesale market."
For more information:
Rainer Simon
Christian Sulser GmbH
Großmarkthalle München
Tel. +49 089 7670690
[email protected]