The first South African pears destined for Origin Fruit Direct are on their way to the Netherlands. "Over the years, the South African top fruit import volume has significantly decreased. We're a relatively small player and try to specialize mainly in blushed pears," says Randolf Aaldijk. "The European top fruit market is good, but that's a double-edged sword. Everyone immediately thinks we have excellent sales opportunities. But, my father always said: Beware of what's not coming!"
"We sell the imported pears primarily to the European wholesale market. Most retailers prefer Conference pears. Packhams, Williams, Forelle, Carmen, Cheeky, we sell the whole package, just in small quantities. We get roughly the same volumes each year. Europe is also a lower priority for South African pear growers. Other countries often pay more. And it's an easy choice if you get €30 for a box of pears in China but must fight for €12 in Europe. Those prices often creep closer together during the season, and they certainly continue to send fruit to Europe, but we must be careful not to become their dumping ground."
Meanwhile, the South African grape season is going fantastically, according to the importer. "The prices are excellent. Nobody's getting enough volumes; then, we can maintain the prices normally. However, the geopolitical situation has a major effect. India should usually start fully, but with the tripled sea freight price situation and the ships having to sail via the Cape of Good Hope, that doesn't work. All fruit is expensive, too, due to the lack of alternatives. There are also far fewer grapes coming from Peru because El Niño caused a lesser harvest in the north of that country. Another important reason is that - there you have it again - the US pays much more," Randolf concludes.
For more information:
Randolf Aaldijk
Origin Fruit Direct
250 Albert Plesmanweg
3088 GD, Rotterdam, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 882 449 300
[email protected]
www.originfruitdirect.nl