The marketing of soft fruit is currently going relatively smoothly. "We mainly source raspberries from Morocco and Spain, blueberries from Peru and blackberries and currants from Dutch greenhouses. Overall, the supply situation is satisfactory and quality is quite good," says Hasan Atula, berry wholesaler at the Düsseldorf wholesale market and owner of Christoph Kotz, a company based there.
Plenty of soft fruit at the Christoph Kotz stand.
Overall, the supply situation for all soft fruits was pleasing throughout the year, continues the berry specialist. "There was only a brief shortage of raspberries in mid-November, i.e. after the end of the Dutch season. This was due to the fact that the Dutch season for both raspberries and blueberries ended one to two weeks earlier. Last year, however, we were able to carry the Dutch season through to the end of November." Despite the inflationary price increases for fruit and vegetables, soft fruits are roughly at the same level as last year. "There have been no significant price increases across the board."
After two years of absence, Atula is once again offering its customers Dutch currants from CA storage over the winter this year. "We have had a few negative experiences with this product in the past, which is why we have decided against offering the currant in winter for the past two years. This year, however, we are aiming to trade Dutch CA produce for as long as possible." According to Atula, however, there is no sign of a significant increase in demand at Christmas.
Hasan Atula at the wholesale market last year.
Positive annual balance sheet
Atula took over the management of the long-established wholesale company at the beginning of 2021. In addition to soft fruit, the basic product range also includes grapes and citrus fruits. "Overall, we can look back on a successful year. Despite the challenges in the fruit trade, we are extremely satisfied with our sales. Our partnerships with reliable suppliers at home and abroad are helping us here."
The impending closure of the wholesale market on December 31, 2024 hangs like a sword of Damocles over Christoph Kotz's day-to-day business as well, although the owner remains optimistic. "We retailers have not yet received an official notice of termination. Our company is financially healthy and I would be open to a new location. I would be the first to move if we were to acquire a future-proof location together with colleagues," Atula concludes.
Images: Christoph Kotz e.K.
For more information:
Hasan Atula
Christoph Kotz e.K.
Großmarkt Düsseldorf
Tel: +49 211 427788
Fax: +49 211 4201431
email: hasan@atula.de
www.atula.de