The South African pumpkin season once again erupted for the 888 Fruit Company at the wholesaler’s market Rungis. More than 15 years ago, Nico Schaft brought the first pumpkin seeds to South Africa, and that pioneering bore fruit. “We supply the entire range of butternut squash, Hokkaido and muscat pumpkin.”
Although a lot of Portuguese butternut squash arrives on the European market as well in this period, the South African ones are selling like hot cakes. “The Portuguese season is continuing, but the Portuguese pumpkins are much smaller. French buyers prefer the large pumpkins of between 10 and 15 kilograms,” Nico says.
“In France, muscat pumpkins are very popular. We mostly sell green pumpkins to Chinese customers, and butternut squash is sold throughout Europe,” the Dutch wholesaler at Rungis says. The South African season lasts until the end of May. “Prices are currently around 90 cent, and that is not a luxury, but I do expect the market will recover due to shortages in Southern Europe.”
For more information:
Nico Schaft
888 Fruit Company
Rungis, France
Tel: +33 145603640
Mob: +33 609814815
info@888fruitcompany.com