As fruits such as nectarines, apricots and peaches are largely being dropped from the product range, once again the focus lies increasingly on products such as bananas, apples, pears and, not least, grapes. We spoke about this with André Bukethal from Früchte Feldbrach Ltd in Munich, also touching on the current Italian grape season. "We offer green Sugar One as well as red Crimson grapes, which are packed in paper bags. The paper bags are delivered to us in boxes, and we in turn sell our products in these paper bags. Our customers are taking to the product very well," Bukethal says.
Team leaders from purchasing, warehousing and the vehicle park (from left to right) Andre Bukethal (purchasing), Bobby Soleski (scheduling), Matthias Brandner (vehicle management), Helmut Ohm (warehouse management) and Sylo Qekaj (warehouse management). Photo: Früchte Feldbrach
Top quality Italian grapes
The company started the season around the end of June/beginning of July and will probably be able to offer the goods from Italy until December. Both in terms of price and taste, Italian grapes are "top-notch," Bukethal says. "It's not always about price, though; they have to be nice, big, firm grapes. Smaller grapes may be cheaper, but we also want these to just taste good and look nice."
The quality of the grapes are therefore very good, according to Bukethal. "We make sure that they are still fresh on the stems when we receive them from our few, specifically selected suppliers." Each week, Früchte Feldbrach receives about five pallets of red grapes and four pallets of green grapes from Italy. "Now it's a little quieter again. After all, there were just vacations in Bavaria. Like melons, however, grapes have to be available all year round."
Unrestrained sales
The grapes are thereby supplied to gastronomers, (school) canteens and hospitals, among others. "We are broadly positioned. We also supply individual markets, although large chains are not among our customers. But especially for the catering of kindergartens, hospitals, etc. grapes as a fruit garnish are of great interest. From this point of view, sales are unstoppable, because even in winter you need appropriate volumes, since other goods are unavailable in winter, or only available very small quantities."
Demand remains high and relatively the same compared to last year, he said. "Prices have remained stable throughout the season and just below last year. The grapes come from conventional cultivation, as there is hardly any demand for organic grapes, especially since the price at the Munich wholesale market for organic grapes is almost twice as high." The company primarily delivers the goods to the Munich area, within a 70km radius.
For more information:
Früchte Feldbrach GmbH
Lagerhausstraße 5
81371 München
Tel: +49 (0) 89 72 01 36 60
Fax: +49 (0) 89 76 75 58 59
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: https://www.fruechte-feldbrach.de/
