Yannick Hoffmann, Co-Managing Director of Fruchtimport Hoffmann GmbH:
"We mainly source our pineapples from Costa Rica, as the quality is usually the best. This is the Sweet Pineapple variety," says Yannick Hoffmann, Co-Managing Director of Fruchtimport Hoffmann GmbH at the Hanover wholesale market. "There were supply problems at the beginning of the year. However, this was less due to availability and more to the fact that the containers were in the harbours for weeks and could not be cleared due to the strikes. In the meantime, there were also a few weeks in which the quality left a lot to be desired."
Photo: Freshplaza.de
Stable demand for pineapples
Demand usually falls in summer, as the choice of fruit is greater. "Interest in pineapple increased again a few weeks ago, as many types of fruit are no longer available, especially not from the region. Especially as almost only apples and pears can be sold from Germany, at the moment anyway."
The demand for pineapples is at a normal, stable level. "We have two varieties available: On the one hand, the aforementioned green, Sweet Pineapple, and on the other, a premium variety that is delivered to us already very ripe. The latter is sold in packs of seven for EUR 18.00."
While supermarkets are mainly interested in the green product, the premium variety is primarily bought by weekly market traders. "I regularly visit our weekly market customers myself, especially on days when there is a lot of customer traffic. The movement at the weekly markets is of course very dependent on the weather. At the same time, there are hardly any younger customers to be seen, as the average age is around 50 to 60+. Added to this is the fact that it is also very difficult for the weekly markets to find new employees," Hoffmann states.
Managing directors Yannick Hoffmann and Helge Hoffmann. Photo: Fruchtimport Hoffmann GmbH
"Our sales team consists of five people, three of whom are my age. But there are many wholesale companies where the youngest member is in their mid-40s/early 50s. Most of the younger employees you find are either friends or family members; then there are the inconvenient working hours, sometimes we start at midnight. But the physically demanding work also puts some people off." Despite this, the mood at the wholesale market is currently good.
"In terms of the balance sheet, 2023 has been a very good financial year so far. We have been able to achieve very strong sales of almost all seasonal products, such as strawberries and asparagus from Germany and the Netherlands. Table grapes from Italy and chanterelles and other mushrooms are also among our stronger products. We have just started the season for clementines and oranges from Spain. This means that we always have a favourite item for every season. As soon as the season for a top-selling product ends, the next season starts straight away. Working with so many products a year is exactly what I love about the job," concludes Hoffmann.
Photo: Fruchtimport Hoffmann GmbH
For more information:
Yannick Hoffmann
Fruchtimport Hoffmann GmbH
Am Tönniesberg 16-18
Großmarkt Stand 95 – 97
30453 Hannover
Telefon: +49 511 2613738
Telefax: +49 511 2613740
E-Mail: [email protected]
Webseite: https://fruchtimporthoffmann.de