After a quiet summer, the ginger market appears to be picking up again in the first week of September. "Due to the warm weather, summer sales were slightly lower than in previous years," says Ralf Settels from Jiahe Food Europe GmbH. Otherwise, Peru's market share in the European market has declined significantly. "There was a bottleneck in Peruvian ginger in the spring, forcing many buyers to switch to alternative sources, primarily China and Thailand. It was then discovered that Thai ginger is of good quality, and the tubers are slightly larger than Peruvian ginger. This, in turn, meant that many did not want to switch back to Peru."
In addition, good prices for Peruvian ginger continue to be achieved on the U.S. market, so that the need to export to Europe is not currently a priority. Meanwhile, the first Brazilian produce is already being shipped, which is usually available until the turn of the year. This is predominantly conventional, large-caliber produce. Settels: "From January onwards, the first new harvest from northern China will be coming onto the market."
© Jiahe Food GmbH
Insight into the current ginger stock in China
Market prices are currently below those of the same period last year, which was already foreseeable due to the abundant harvest forecasts, Settels continues. The price differences between the individual countries of origin are currently minimal. "Labor costs are now almost the same everywhere. However, one key factor is the sea freight situation. China is currently slightly cheaper again, but due to the problems in the Suez Canal, actual transit times have still increased to around 45 days. Including loading and unloading time and customs clearance, the entire transport process therefore takes around 60 days. The so-called northern route (along the Arctic) is not an option for us, as we need the quantities mainly in winter. Nevertheless, it could become a game-changer by putting pressure on Egypt to ensure peace and security in the Red Sea. So that the Suez Canal can be used to its full capacity again."
Ralf Settels and his daughter Johanna at Fruit Logistica 2025
Ginger as an advertising medium in German food retail
Jiahe Food Europe GmbH is dedicated to the procurement and marketing of ginger (organic and conventional) throughout the Western European sales market. "In Germany in particular, ginger is establishing itself as an advertising medium, even in summer. Personally, I think this makes sense, as the product is already a sure-fire success in winter. Interestingly, total sales volumes in Germany are also significantly higher than in neighboring countries. However, it should be noted that retail prices are also slightly lower, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic and inflation." In addition to the fresh market, the company also supplies industrial customers with raw materials from a wide range of countries of origin. "Although demand from industry continues to rise, the growth curve has flattened somewhat."
Sweet potatoes: Spain loses market share to Portugal and Egypt
Sweet potatoes are the company's second fastest-growing product line. "Spain has lost market share in the past two years, primarily due to increasing quality problems. Like many other suppliers, we have also invested more in cultivation in neighboring Portugal and expanded our supplier network there accordingly. The same applies to Egypt, where the season is now gradually picking up speed," the report concludes.
For more information:
Ralf Settels
Jiahe Food Europe GmbH
Luxemburger Str. 9
41812 Erkelenz
Tel: +49 2431 9724212
[email protected]
www.jiahefood.eu
