While the German plum season is now in its final stages, the Turkish campaign is just getting started. "We are expecting the first arrivals from the Antalya area in a few days and will be offering Stanley and Presidente plums under our own Demi brand," says Hüseyin Demirel, importer and managing director of NHD Fruchtimport, based at the Bremen wholesale market.
© NHD Fruchtimport GmbH Turkish plums in a wooden crate.
Quality problems plague German plum season
"Normally, we sell plenty of German plums during the season, such as Hauszwetschgen or Cacak's Schöne. However, 2023 was a very difficult plum year, as due to the weather, many growers were forced to pick their fruit relatively early, which is why the plums are not quite ripe when marketed. This is particularly noticeable in the taste," explains Demirel. In the Balkan countries, an important source for the German market, the weather had a major impact on this year's plum harvest as well.
Right: Huseyin Demirel (r) visiting his suppliers in the Antalya Korkutelli growing region.
New ways of procuring goods
The difficult conditions have prompted the Bremen-based fruit wholesaler to take a different approach to sourcing its plums. Demirel: "We are now trying it with our partner in Turkey, Derinalp, and hope to find the taste there that we and above all our customers are desperately looking for. Of course, we are only at the beginning of the season, but for the time being there are no big price differences compared to German plums. If everything goes according to plan, we will be able to offer Turkish plums by mid-October."
Images: NHD Fruchtimport GmbH
For more information:
Hüseyin Demirel
NHD Fruchtimport GmbH
Bremen wholesale market
Tel.: +49 162 62 62 717
Email: info@nhd-gmbh.de