The Bielefeld-based fruit trading company Albert Schmidt is starting the new year confidently. According to Michael Wehmeyer, who runs the company together with his brother Tim, the entire range of lettuces is currently selling well. "We source colourful lettuces primarily from France, while rocket and endive come mainly from Italy. Since the change of season in mid-November, we have been pleased with the good supply and price situation, as well as the excellent quality. There was only a short phase in mid-December when the quality was consistently somewhat poorer. We were able to bridge this gap with Belgian greenhouse produce."
Insight into the seasonal lettuce range
Second phase of the citrus season
Meanwhile, the second half of the citrus season is now starting in the Northern Hemisphere. "Despite the heavy rainfall in the citrus-growing areas of Valencia and Castellon, we have at least had consistently good quantities and qualities. In mid-December, the annual variety change took place for the clementines, from Clemenules to Clemenvillas, which we mainly sell under the 'Der Flieger' brand. At the same time, we also sell Spanish Tango Gold from SanLucar and, since calendar week 1, the first Israeli Orri clementines. The quality of the clementines received so far has been excellent, and the prices are now trending slightly downwards. The Clementine range is rounded off by the red-fleshed Mandared variety, which is available as of calendar week 2."
Bimi & Fioretto cauliflower
Albert Schmidt offers some more unusual citrus fruits in addition to the basic range, Wehmeyer continues, especially for specialist retailers. "In the orange segment, for example, we currently also offer the red-fleshed varieties Cara Cara and Kirkwood. These are niche products that may only achieve a fifth of the sales volume of the standard product and require a little more educational work. We offer such specialities not only in the fruit but also in the vegetable segment, such as Bimi or Fioretto cauliflower. However, as a specialised wholesaler, this is how we set ourselves apart." From calendar week 2, Albert Schmidt GmbH is offering the first Moro blood oranges of Italian origin. The Bielefeld-based company is supplied with seasonal items from Italy's gardens twice a week all year round by a partner at the Verona wholesale market.
Inflation and price sensitivity
The 2024 financial year was also characterised by numerous challenges, says Wehmeyer, looking back and referring to inflationary price fluctuations. "Shortly before Christmas, Belgian greenhouse strawberries were sometimes up to 1-2 EUR/tray pricier than usual. The chocolatiers at the Christmas markets still needed the goods and took them accordingly. We have the advantage that many of our customers are market suppliers and that this area is generally less price-sensitive than other sales segments." Another factor was the increase in tolls last year, which had a significant impact. "Nevertheless, we can look back on a good year overall, in which we were able to acquire some new customers across all segments," he concludes.
Moro, Kirkwood and Mandared
Photo credit: Albert Schmidt Fruchtimporte GmbH
For more information:
Michael Wehmeyer
Albert Schmidt Fruchtimporte GmbH
Wholesale Market Bielefeld
T +49 0521 - 2 80 60
F +49 0521 - 28 77 80
[email protected]
www.fruchtimport-schmidt.de
