The Turkish fruit season is currently in full swing: pomegranates, quinces and sultana grapes now dominate the range, while the citrus season is also just around the corner. "The pomegranate season has got off to a particularly good start this year, with beautifully colored fruits and encouraging export volumes. We are also pleased with the good supply situation for the popular calibers 7/9/12. Meanwhile, prices are roughly in line with last year," reports Enes Cakmak, managing director of Fresh Maximum GmbH, based at the Stuttgart wholesale market.
Turkish pomegranates
Since the beginning of October, Cakmak has also been importing and selling Turkish quinces. Although the tree fruit is considered a niche product in Germany, it has nevertheless developed well in recent years. "In terms of the season, the quince is similar to the pomegranate. It is mainly grown in the Denizli, Isparta and Antalya regions and is usually also available until March-April of the following year. At least with us, the quince has proven to be a stable companion in recent years."
Record prices for Sultana grapes, rainfall threatens Spanish persimmon campaign
Meanwhile, tons of Sultana grapes of Turkish origin continue to be loaded. "So far, we can look back on a successful campaign. Currently, prices are higher than ever." The fruit wholesaler estimates that the current price structure is between 17 and 19 EUR/5 kg compared to 10 to 12 EUR/5 kg last year. According to Cakmak, this is, among other things, due to the continuing inflation, high transport costs and the tendency towards rising producer prices. Alongside Turkish goods, Fresh Maximum GmbH also offers its customers table grapes of Italian origin, the season for which is now drawing to a close. "The last main varieties, including Regina, were already delivered in calendar week 43, which is relatively early. However, we will still be able to use the refrigerated goods, primarily Autumn Crisp and Italia, well into December."
Enes Cakmak (left) offers Turkish fruit vegetables under his own brand Elif.
Persimmons are also traditionally a strong item in the fall, Cakmak continues. "So far, we have seen good sales, although large-caliber fruits are rather rare. Even though we are concerned about the current rainfall in the Valencia region, we have not yet experienced any problems in procuring goods. We now hope that it stays that way."
Insight into the diversity of Fresh Maximum GmbH's product range: Turkish quinces, oranges, and Sultana grapes as well as Spanish persimmons.
Turkish citrus season in the starting blocks
In addition, the Stuttgart-based wholesaler is preparing for the upcoming start of the Turkish citrus fruit season. Cakmak: "We expect the first shipments of Turkish oranges (Washington Navel) and Nadorcott clementines by mid-November, followed by the first grapefruits about two weeks later. The early indications in terms of quantity and quality are quite promising. South African Nadorcott clementines have now been shipped, which is why we are primarily offering our customers Spanish Oronules. Demand for Oronules has been good recently, while the better quality clementines are now also entering the market."
Photo credit: Fresh Maximum GmbH
For more information:
Enes Cakmak
Fresh Maximum GmbH
Stuttgart Wholesale Market
Mobile: +49 162 / 21 88 274
Phone: +49 711 / 459 55 355
Fax: +49 711 / 459 55 377
[email protected]
http://freshmaximum.de