The fig season in the Northern Hemisphere is now gradually picking up speed: "The first shipments arrived from Italy in mid-July, a little later than usual. We have also been receiving weekly shipments from Turkey for two to three weeks, including the popular Bursa figs, which are slightly more expensive. Demand is still somewhat subdued due to the holidays, and the season will only really get going in two to three weeks. However, quantities and quality are all fine," says Sinan Gürbüz of Efendi Fruchthandels GmbH, based at the Munich wholesale market.
© Efendi Fruchthandels GmbH
Black figs from the Turkish growing region of Bursa
In addition to figs, pomegranates from Turkey are also an important product in late summer and fall, Gürbüz continues. "The supply of Peruvian overseas produce is now gradually coming to an end. The first shipments from Turkey usually arrive here in early to mid-September." Unlike pomegranates, the fruit trader does not offer any overseas figs, but only products from the Northern Hemisphere.
© Efendi Fruchthandels GmbH
Figs and prickly pears in the incoming goods department
Turkish dragon fruit gains market share
Another Turkish product has been available for several years now: dragon fruit, also known as pitaya. Gürbüz: "We now offer these to our customers from the end of July until November, and sometimes even into December. As soon as Turkish produce is available, overseas produce hardly sells at all, which is why we remove it from our range. This is mainly due to the significant price difference. The overseas produce, which was most recently sourced from Ecuador, is transported by air, while the Turkish pitaya is transported by truck. Although it is a niche product, sales volumes are increasing year on year." Efendi Fruchthandels GmbH currently offers its customers only pitaya red-red. Prices are slightly above last year's level.
© Efendi Fruchthandels GmbH
Turkish dragon fruit red-red
Despite the holiday season, the current mood at the wholesale market is quite good. "We continue to have a lot to do. It feels like the specialist retail trade is a little busier currently," he concludes.
For more information:
Sinan Gürbüz
Efendi Fruchthandels GmbH
Munich Wholesale Market
Tel: +49 172 1393432
[email protected]
