At Zoutewelle, the Sicilian grape season kicked off three weeks ago with the first arrivals of Black Magic and Victoria grapes. "Volumes are still limited, and the first arrivals always fetch good prices. Normally, these grapes are quite small, but both the size and colour are very good this year. We haven't yet started with the seedless grapes from Sicily," says Bertus Schipper. "Prices are around €3.80 for premium grapes and €3.50 for standard grapes, and those levels have remained fairly stable."
Bertus Schipper
"The grape supply on the market is limited. We sold the last Indian grapes at the end of last week, after a strong season, including in terms of quality. Egyptian grapes are already on the market, but not many are making their way here yet. Prices for Egyptian grapes are around €3.00 for white seedless and €3.50 for red seedless."
© Izak Heijboer | FreshPlaza.com
At Zoutewelle, the Italian grape season will continue at the end of this month with grapes from Puglia. "That's when we really start receiving significant volumes of multiple varieties. We've been working for years with our regular grower who packs the grapes under the Lino brand," says Bertus. "The outlook for this season is also good. In stone fruit cultivation, there have been some weather-related issues here and there, but in the grape-growing areas, we haven't seen any extremes," he adds.
© Izak Heijboer | FreshPlaza.com
Last year, the Ridderkerk-based importer decided to fully commit to seedless varieties. "Seedless grapes were the standout item last year, especially Autumn Crisp. Traditionally, ethnic customers still prefer seeded grapes, but more and more, they're also buying seedless varieties," Bertus says. Zoutewelle's grape sales are mainly focused on customers in the Dutch and UK markets.
© Zoutewelle
"We're approaching the season with confidence. Despite the broader range of summer fruits available, the trade is moving along steadily, with good grape varieties increasingly becoming a luxury item rather than a mass-market product, particularly in the wholesale markets."
© Izak Heijboer | FreshPlaza.com
For more information:
Bertus Schipper
Zoutewelle
Handelsweg 140
2988 DC Ridderkerk
Tel: +31 (0) 180 642364
[email protected]
www.zoutewelle.com
