The supply of European stone and berry fruits is now rapidly expanding. Meanwhile, the selection of fruit exotics is decreasing. The ongoing Corona crisis, as well as an apparent shortage of goods in making exotics leads to a sluggish seasonal change and corresponding market stand.
Within the classic trio of avocados, mangoes and papayas, the latter fruit is the only positive exception. "Around week 15, there has been a small supply gap in papayas with corresponding price increases. Otherwise, market conditions are about the same as before," says Pedram Pandijeh, buyer and seller at Ehmann Fruchthandel in Hamburg's wholesale market hall.
The stand of H. Ehmann Fruchthandels Ltd Nachf. in the Hamburg wholesale market hall.
Sluggish seasonal change for mangoes
The market situation for mangoes, on the other hand, shows a completely different picture. "The Peruvian season is coming to an end. Air-shipped mangoes are scarce and expensive, and shipping goods are also in demand at the moment. Meanwhile, the first batches are arriving from the Ivory Coast. Increased volumes will nevertheless only reach us in two weeks." Until then, there will therefore be a bottleneck, Pandijeh says.
Avocado price at all-time high
In the case of avocados, the supply shortage is even more noticeable. "Hass avocados are fine in terms of quality, but only available in very small quantities. In my view, market prices for ready-to-eat goods are even at an all-time high of €20-23 per colli. This is, for example, €2 above last year's level," the product specialist explains. In addition, the Ehmann company currently carries the Fuerte variety in its portfolio. "In this area, the current marketing situation is somewhat more relaxed in comparison."
Berry and stone fruits replace exotics
In general, demand for exotics is gradually running down into the summer, in favor of European stone and berry fruits. "Exotics are now being somewhat crowded out seasonally. Still, the younger shopper base is paying a little less attention to seasonal items, which is why fruit exotics have been consumed a little more in recent years, even in the summer," Pandijeh observes.
Gastronomy sector still closed
Due to lockdowns and the fact that the gastronomy sector is still closed, the general marketing situation at the wholesale market is far from optimal. "We still have work to do, but the lack of demand from the gastronomy industry is causing us problems. Sales in the first quarter were very modest. Fortunately, marketing is now getting back on track in parallel with the domestic asparagus and berry campaign. Our main customers - the catering suppliers - are trying to carry on as best they can by supplying private households. However, this is just a drop in the ocean."
For more information:
H. Ehmann Fruchthandels Gmbh Nachf.
Pedram Pandijeh
Großmarkt Hamburg
Tel: 040 33 62 88
Fax: 040 32 68 13
E-Mail: info@ehmann-frucht.de
www.ehmann-frucht.de