In the 
Saarland, too, price increases are having an increasing impact on the daily fruit and vegetable business. "The market situation is extremely difficult at the moment, which is mainly due to the high procurement costs and the sometimes difficult supply situation," says Frank Klein, a buyer and seller at Lisdorfer Frischgemüse Handelsges. mbH, based in Saarlouis.
Right: A Spanish supplier shows fresh Tango Gold clementines shortly before they are loaded for shipment to Germany.
Clementines, for example, are among the seasonal top sellers, Klein states. "We now offer both Tango Gold from Spain and Israeli Orri clementines. Tango Gold is expected to run out in three to four weeks. Orri clementines, on the other hand, we will be able to offer for a few weeks longer." Both clementine varieties have their raison d'être and are continuously traded at high, stable prices.
Price increases shape the vegetable trade
As a regionally active wholesale company, Lisdorfer Frischgemüse is responsible for marketing regionally produced vegetable crops. Klein: "The last remaining stocks of Saarland cabbage and celery are now slowly running out, which is why we will end the season in two to three weeks. Dandelions, a popular item in Saarland, are usually offered until the end of March/beginning of April."
The lion's share of the vegetable assortment is now sourced seasonally from southern European countries. "We are currently sourcing colorful salads, for example, from Provence in southern France. In this category, the availability of goods is still okay at the moment." According to Klein, things are more critical in the cauliflower segment. "Whether from France, Spain or Italy - cauliflower is extremely expensive at the moment due to shortages of goods, with package prices around 20 euros. We're seeing similar outliers in broccoli and peppers, Italian kohlrabi and Portuguese pointed cabbage."
It is not just the record-breaking purchase prices; electricity and diesel costs are currently also causing problems for the fruit wholesaler. However, the company is observing a certain degree of acceptance on the part of customers with regard to these price increases. These aspects and, above all, more price-conscious consumer behavior are ultimately having an impact on the wholesale clientele, Klein states.
"Sales regarding the catering trade have been largely stable so far, but the weekly markets and specialist retailers have suffered particularly heavily under the circumstances. This is mainly due to the fact that many consumers are now increasingly shopping at discounters, for price reasons."
Images: Lisdorfer Frischgemüse Handelsges. mbH
For more information:
Frank Klein
Lisdorfer Frischgemüse Handelsges. mbH
Überherrner Str. 17
66740 Saarlouis
Tel.: +49 (0) 683140621
Fax: +49 (0) 6831 46847
E-Mail: info@lfg-lisdorf.de
www.lfg-lisdorf.de