As October slowly nears, the switch from the summer season to fall is also gradually starting. The first 'fall products' are trickling into wholesaler Sebrechts Groenten en Fruit, but, for now, 'summer' imported fruit is still in demand. "Plums and grapes are still selling the best. The good weather may be fuelling that," begins Ellen Sebrechts of this Belgian family business.
After the summer vacation, wholesalers have been very busy again these last few weeks. Sebrechts' sales ran well, regardless. "We had quieter periods because of colder, rainy weather, but overall, we can speak of a good summer. The fruit's quality was top-notch, and we couldn't complain about much, sales-wise, either. It doesn't have to be so hot to have good sales. I enjoy summer the most, with its cherries, stone fruit, and plums."
"I don't think we've ever had as many different countries of origin and varieties as this summer. We loved being able to offer it all. Prices were also very reasonable," says Ellen.
"You could offer plums for €2, but the better quality ones, of which there were plenty, sold just as well at €4. There was something for everyone."
Stonefruit, grapes, and citrus
Fall may well be approaching, but temperatures are still too high to switch entirely to fall products. "We're already receiving many cabbages, pumpkins, and wild mushrooms; the usual true fall items. However, products like plums and grapes continue to sell particularly well. The stone fruit is slowly running out, though," explains Ellen.
"The Spanish season is as good as over, but we're still getting nice supplies of French stone fruit. That will continue for another two weeks or so and looks genuinely excellent. We also work with minimum stock, so we get everything in as fresh as possible and can sell it. That's appreciated, and demand for the stone fruit remains undiminished."
According to Ellen, grapes wholly fill the gap left by stone fruit. "We have a nice supply of Italian grapes and even got Spanish ones yesterday. The first South African Orris also arrived this week. Their quality is good, as is that of the Uruguayan citrus supply. However, people are eating fewer of these," she says.
"This season's unusually high citrus prices could be contributing to that. Juicing and eating oranges, in particular, are much more expensive because there's less supply on the market. It seems to be picking up a bit, but we'll have to wait and see how that develops. The Spanish supply is also coming in, and our Spanish grower says he's very optimistic about it."
Staff
"We're looking forward to it again; each season has its charms," says the trader enthusiastically. Yet, Sebrechts faces challenges. "These lie primarily in finding good personnel. Certainly, staff with sales skills, but also for the warehouse. They're tough to find. We, too, have several vacancies, which is quite a shame in such a great sector. I believe it's mainly due to the hours. The days are often long and start early, but there is also much to love," Ellen concludes.
For more information:
Ellen Sebrechts
Sebrechts Groenten & Fruit
4 Kielsbroek
2020 ,Antwerp, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 323 74 192
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sebrechtsfruit.be