"Certain retailers consciously choose expensive Florida grapefruit"

At the moment grapefruit is being imported from Turkey, Spain and Israel, as well as Florida, which is causing difficult sales in day trading. "Mainly Israeli grapefruit is available in abundance. The prices are very varied, differing in brand and quality but more is being sold for 8 Euros than 10," says Randolf Aaldijk of Origin Fruit Direct. "We only allow programme Florida grapefruit to come in, and you can make good deals, but the time of unlimited importing is over."

"There are still European supermarkets that consciously choose grapefruit from Florida due to the sweet flavour. They take some peel damage for granted, because they know how to appreciate the quality of the grapefruit," continues Randolf. According to the importer the supply of the Florida grapefruit is limited due to the strict checks the USDA takes to meet the European standards. "This is why people would rather not take the chance, and supply to other markets."

Randolf expects few changes in the market in coming weeks. "We have just started and the best qualities are still to come."

For more information:
Randolf Aaldijk
Origin Fruit Direct
Keilestraat 9c
3029 BP Rotterdam
Tel.: 0031 10 244 93 00
Fax: 0031 10 478 39 66
www.originfruitdirect.nl