The marketing of fresh Barhi dates of Egyptian origin has been in full swing for a fortnight. "The season started a little earlier than usual this year, and we now have completed several air freight shipments. Air freight
is two euros more per package than sea freight. However, with a sensitive product like fresh dates, we want to play it safe, which is why we only use air freight," says Sarwat Radwan (r), Egypt specialist and Managing Director of AKL Exofresh GmbH, based in Dortmund.
Fresh dates are a seasonal product par excellence and are usually available from specialist retailers until mid-October. In contrast to their dried counterparts, however, this is a relatively small market segment, Radwan continues. "Fresh dates are almost exclusively available from Egypt at this time of year, so we are unrivalled in this respect. In contrast, the range of buyers is also incomparable to that of dried dates. Although the fresh fruit is marketed and consumed in many European countries, like Germany, Scandinavia or France, consumption is primarily reserved for ethnic customers. Since they are also offered less frequently in regular food retailers, it is difficult to attract new customers to the product."
AKL ExoFresh GmbH has been engaged in the import and distribution of Egyptian Barhi dates since mid-September.
Lack of willingness to buy
Meanwhile, inflation and the resulting drop in purchasing power continue to have an impact on business. Radwan: "There is a lack of willingness to buy, which is particularly reflected in the sales of unique items such as fresh dates. The demand is there, i.e. those who have always sold them will continue to do so. Nevertheless, the quantity purchased per capita is significantly lower than in previous years. We felt a similar effect in the last marketing season for Egyptian mangoes."
Increasing market share for Medjoul dates
Alongside the fresh dates, the first dried fruit from the new harvest is already hitting the market. The main variety exported from Egyptian cultivation is the standard Medjoul variety. "The Egyptian export volume is gradually increasing due to the expansion of the area. In a few years, Egypt will probably have a good market share. However, the quantities are still manageable, which is why we have to stock up on goods from other countries for the Ramadan period in March," Radwan explains.
The importer is also dealing with sweet potatoes and spring onions of Egyptian origin. "The sweet potato season is gradually picking up speed after a difficult start. The first spring onions flown in are already being offered here and there, but we are still holding back a little as there is still plenty of German produce available. We expect to be able to offer the first flown-in goods at the end of October," he concludes.
For more information:
Sarwat Radwan
AKL ExoFresh GmbH
Mallinckrodt Str. 320
44147 Dortmund
Telephone: +49 (0) 231 / 993 670 74
Fax: +49 (0) 231 / 225 228 76
Mobile +49 (0) 173 / 565 123 7
e-mail: [email protected]
www.aklexofresh.de