Germany - In the classic German plum growing areas in Baden and Rhinehessen the harvest of the early varieties, such as Gerstetter and Herman is just about finished, as mentioned by the German Agrarmarkt Informations-Gesellschaft (AMI).
The quantities harvested are far below the normal harvest quantities. At the moment the picking phase of the varieties St.Hubertus and Katinka are in full swing. In some places the first Ersinger plums are being harvested.
Also with these varieties the yield is far below the average, because of damage to the flowers. But because these varieties are grown in greater quantities than the early varieties, more product arrives on the market now. The quantities, however, are still 30 to 40% smaller than normal.
The demand for plums is increasing in the meantime and sales of the limited supply are doing well. As a result prices are at a high level.