The marketing of watermelons from the Mediterranean region is currently in full swing. "We get our goods from Morocco, Greece and Italy. Morocco is now coming to an end and is increasingly being replaced by Greece. The persistently high temperatures have driven up demand and prices noticeably. Accordingly, we distribute almost two full trucks a day," says Bünyamin Hamurcu, co-managing director of the Stuttgart-based wholesale market company Alem GmbH.
"Not only seedless watermelons are extremely popular at the moment, but also Italian cantaloupe melons, especially in the gastronomy sector. The fact that these melons are somewhat harder and firmer makes it easier for the gastronome to cut and process them," the fruit importer continues. The seasonal summer fruit assortment is rounded off by Italian grapes. "We have a close partnership with the Miranda brand and offer both the red and light table grapes. In a few weeks we are also expecting the first arrivals of Sultana grapes from Turkey."
Italian grapes of the Miranda brand
Export to France
For 20 years now, Alem GmbH has been the place to go for fruit and vegetables from all over the world. "My father founded the company back then, and today I am at the helm together with my two brothers. In the beginning we had eight trucks and about twelve employees, today we have twelve trucks and over 40 employees. Over the years, we have specialised mainly in supplying independent supermarkets. Nowadays, exports to France in particular are a growing market for us," Hamurcu explains.
The Alem GmbH team at the FreshPlaza.de wholesale market visit on 12 July.
Own branch network
In addition, the family-owned company operates a total of four supermarkets of its own in Remscheid, Mutlangen, Heidenheim and Willingen. In this area, too, the company continues to record pleasing growth figures. "If we had enough staff, we would like to open more stores. Unfortunately, however, it is very difficult to find new staff at the moment," Hamurcu concludes.
Further information:
Bünyamin Hamurcu
ALEM GmbH
Großmarkt Stuttgart
Telefon: 0711-67 49 306 + 307
Telefax: 0711-67 49 308
E-Mail: alemgmbh1@aol.com
Homepage: www.alemgmbh.de