Due to the current trend of regionality, more and more German producers are endeavouring to offer not only the classic products but also more exotic locally cultivated fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, there is German ginger, German sweet potatoes and Charentais melons from the Palatinate. Melzig GmbH from Aschaffenburg offers all of these to its customers.
"We have had the Palatine Charentais in our range in small quantities for two years now. Growing larger volumes would not be worthwhile yet. There are always specialties that are otherwise known from other countries, which are cultivated in small experimental quantities with us," says sales manager Denis Piper. The weather is not always ideal for these crops and the higher cost of cultivation and manpower often makes these commodities less competitive, yet there is a certain market for these products.
Compared to foreign goods, there is clearly a clientele for the Palatinate melons: "German melons are at least twice as expensive as those from Spain or Italy." There are customers with a certain awareness of regionalism, mainly specialized retailers. For major catering, hotel and food retailers who use melons for starters and fruit salads, such prices are not sustainable."
At the moment, Melzig GmbH is bringing in fruits from Spain and Italy: "The quality of the goods varies from week to week, but in general there is no difference between the two countries of origin, depending on the weather and the farm."
Charentais melons from the Palatinate will be on offer in Aschaffenburg for another three weeks. But during the rest of the year, the fruit is an integral part of the assortment as well. Besides Spain and Italy, it is then sourced from France and Morocco also. "Later in the year, we even have overseas goods from the Dominican Republic and Guadeloupe. Although they are very expensive with unit prices of 8 to 9 euros, there are still customers."
For more information:
Denis Piper, Verkaufsleiter
Frischezentrum Aschaffenburg Melzig GmbH
Magnolienweg 46
63741 Aschaffenburg
Mobile 0159 / 04600878
Tel 06021 / 15087-52
www.melzig-gmbh.de