The Moldovan plum import season is coming to an end. "Due to fluctuating quality, we pulled out this week. Otherwise, we would have been able to deliver until week 46," says Marco Henschke, specialized importer and managing director of the Dresden-based chain store Macoo Ltd.
The eastern German wholesale company is now importing fresh plums from Moldova for the third year in a row, so that the popular stone fruit can be enjoyed until the late fall. "The demand has been there continuously since the season started in week 37," Henschke said. "Until recently, we thought the bottom line total would be 20 to 30% higher than last year because we were able to kick off the season much earlier this year. Again, this was related to the difficult domestic campaign in Germany."
Moldova predominantly produces the Stanley variety
Image: Macoo Ltd
Increasing acceptance in the trade
In general, several challenges were faced this year, Henschke continues. "First, there has been a lot of rainfall. However, the impact of more logistics was all the greater. Due to the shortage of drivers, we sometimes had tremendous problems getting the produce here. All in all, however, we recorded good sales until shortly before the end of the season."
The management of Macoo recognized the potential of Moldovan plum cultivation for itself at an early stage. It also reports increasing acceptance in the German trade. Henschke: "The customer is open to imported plums in general. From our point of view, this is of course an important perspective for the future. Although we don't have any blanket figures, we market about 70% through wholesalers and 30% to food retailers. Our products are also becoming increasingly popular on the wholesale markets in western Germany, traditionally a fairly regional sales channel."
Moldovan plum production / Photo: Macoo Ltd
Investments in cooling and storage technology
In addition, he said, competition with other exporting countries tends to be low at this time of year. "There are hardly any supplies coming from Hungary or the Balkan countries. Of course, that plays into our hands," Henschke says. That is why the plum importer is facing the future with confidence. "A great deal has been invested in recent years, both in cultivation and in appropriate cooling and storage technology. Therefore, from my point of view, there is still some room for improvement."
For more information:
Macoo GmbH
Marco Henschke
Spitzhausstraße 74
01139 Dresden
Tel.: 0351 83974 - 0
Fax: 0351 83974 - 50
Email: [email protected]
www.macoo.de