The apricot season started for GSM Import-Export GmbH from Berlin in early June with Spanish goods, closely followed by the first deliveries from Turkey and rounded off by goods from France. As Managing Director Mehmet Akpolat informs us, the demand for the sweet and sour and juicy fruits from France is extremely high. "At the beginning of the season, we still received AA size apricots from Spain. Usually, we give priority to marketing the AAA size as soon as it is available because it is much more popular. We only pick up the AA produce as soon as we hear from the packing stations that the juice content and color of the produce are suitable."
Most of the produce is sold in 5kg cartons. "The retail chains are particularly interested in the smaller apricots from Turkey of the Sekerpare variety. We also had apricots from Moldova in our assortment, which are distinguishable from the French product in terms of appearance as well as taste. Overall, however, the French product is the best received. Last year, France had considerable problems due to frost damage, which is why the season was shorter. This year, however, the situation has not been too dramatic."
Lower initial price
"In purchasing, prices were about EUR 0.10 to 0.20 more expensive per carton, which is probably due to fuel prices as well as the minimum wage. It was noticeable that the entry price was not so high compared to last year. Usually, one has to sell a pallet for 38.00 to 40.00 EUR. However, these prices did not exist this year. This is probably due to the fact that this year all origins came to the market with decent quantities, which is why no one could achieve top prices," explains Akpolat.
Of the French product, the Berlin wholesaler can sell between two to four pallets of 128 kg or 160 kg per pallet per week, depending on the quality. "While demand for apricots is very good when the weather is good, the demand for produce bought mainly by the catering industry is vanishingly small. The fluctuating weather as well as the vacations specifically inhibit demand for produce such as salads."
Start of Turkish Sultana grapes from week 34
A few weeks ago, they also started selling Italian grapes. "These are light, red and black seedless grapes. In view of the massive weather capriciousness in Italy, light-colored varieties could hardly be delivered," Akpolat said. "Turkish grapes were sighted two weeks ago, but their quality still left something to be desired, which is why we will not start selling them until next week. The price level should be comparable to that of last year. In weight are again the higher costs for the forwarding agents from Turkey."
Looking back, the year went very well for GSM Import und Export GmbH. "Especially the demand for cherries was very good, which we were able to serve well. The sugar apricots we receive from a special region in Turkey are famous for their taste. They are usually very firm, extremely sweet and also turn out much smaller. But even when they appear green and unripe, they already carry a high sugar content."
Further information:
Mehmet Akpolat
GSM Import-Export GmbH
Fruchtgroßhandel
Beusselstraße 44n-q
10553 Berlin
Telefon: +49.30.397 47 911-0
Fax: +49.30.396 12 90
E-Mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.gsm.berlin