Tropical fruit and vegetables are becoming increasingly popular. Since 2009, JJ Global Trader Ltd has been one of the specialist providers of unusual air freight products from all over the world. To mark the company's 15th anniversary, we spoke to company founder and Managing Director Jasvir Singh Jeer, his wife Parminder Jeer and his daughter Sharon Jeer about the development of the Kelsterbach-based family business and the further growth potential in the exotic category.
High growth potential for okra and mangoes
JJ Global Trader Ltd is primarily dedicated to the procurement and marketing of exotic foods, particularly fruit and vegetables. In addition to produce flown in from India and Pakistan, the broad-based portfolio now also includes products from Kenya, Vietnam, Mexico, Jordan, Malaya and many other overseas countries. "Over the years, we have developed into one of the main importers of okra in the Rhine-Main region and load up to 25 tonnes a week. We have noticed that this product continues to gain in importance, not only on the German market, but also in other European countries such as Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Poland," says Parminder Jeer.
Okra is becoming increasingly popular in north-west Europe and is currently sourced from India, Kenya, Jordan and Oman. Demand is sometimes 30 per cent higher than last year.
In addition to okra, mangoes from Pakistan and India are also becoming increasingly popular. Jeer: "These are unusual varieties such as Sindhri, Alphonso and Keser. During the peak season alone, i.e. within three to four months, we sell up to 300-400 tonnes. Our main customers also include wholesale customers from Belgium, for example, who redistribute the goods in their respective delivery areas." Indian mangoes are usually in season from the end of April to August, while Pakistani produce is mainly available between the end of May and the beginning of September.
Sharon Jeer is the daughter of the founding couple and has been responsible for the webshop for end consumers and private customers called JJGT for several years. Pictured: Sindhri mangoes from Pakistan are sold under the private label.
Lack of space and staff
Due to the company's strong growth in recent years, JJ Global Trader has now outgrown its site, the management continues. "In order to further expand the wholesale business and the online shop, we would need an area of around 5,000m2. We would therefore like to relocate in the near future. However, the basic requirement is a direct connection to Frankfurt Airport, as our direct imports arrive here." Another challenge is finding sufficient staff. "Although it is difficult, it is still feasible to find new employees."
Insight into JJ Global Trader's wide range of exotic products: from left to right: jackfruit, coconut and bitter melon. Freight charges vary greatly depending on the source country. Freight rates in East Asian countries are generally much higher compared to other sources.
For more information:
Jasvir Singh Jeer
JJ Global Trader GmbH
Langer Kornweg 34a
65451 Kelsterbach
T: +49 6107 9687865
Email: [email protected]
www.jjgt.de