Spain, Italy, and Turkey currently form the basis of the citrus assortment, while goods from Morocco and Egypt can also be found in some cases. "I was recently offered lemons and grapefruits from the latter country of origin, but we are sticking to our core range from Spain, Italy, and Turkey," says Mustafa Aksoy, managing director of Marlene Meya GmbH, based at the Dortmund wholesale market. Although Christmas is approaching, overall demand is still quite restrained, he continues.
Since the beginning of November, Aksoy has been importing and selling Turkish satsumas. This product always sells well for us. This is mainly due to the unique sweet-sour taste that sets the fruit apart from other clementines on the market, such as Clemenules from Spain." The start of the Spanish citrus season, on the other hand, was rather bumpy, the fruit wholesaler continues. "Two or three weeks ago, we had a shortage of goods, which was clearly due to the flood disaster in large parts of southern Spain. Fortunately, the supply of goods has normalized somewhat in recent weeks so we are currently observing a fairly modern supply situation."
Spanish lemons
Aksoy also offers his customers products from Italy. "Italian clementines with leave are currently of excellent quality. Nevertheless, they are 0.30-0.40 euros/kg cheaper to buy than well-sorted Spanish Clemenules." The basic range will only be expanded to include other origins after the new year. "Items such as blood oranges are available, but we don't sell very many of them. The first Orri Clementines from Israel usually start arriving in January, followed a few weeks later by their Spanish counterparts. By then, we will also have additional citrus fruits from Morocco."
Turkish Satsumas. Their purchase prices have recently fallen from 1.80 euros/kg to 1.50-1.60 euros/kg.
Israeli Medjool dates
From December onwards, nuts and dried fruit, including the popular Medjool dates, are also attracting more attention. "We now offer only Medjool dates from Israel all year round, as these are far ahead in terms of quality. The dates are available in all sizes, with the larger Jumbo and Super Jumbo sizes being most in demand. Despite the war, the supply of goods has been continuous and in sufficient quantities. The price level is also at a normal level. Nevertheless, we have noticed that some customers have decided against goods of Israeli origin for political reasons. But these are only the fewest," concludes Aksoy.
Italian and Spanish leaf clementines.
Photo credit: Marlene Meya GmbH
For more information:
Mustafa Aksoy
Marlene Meya GmbH
Wholesale Market Dortmund
Tel: +49 231 52 89 99
Fax: +49 231 52 89 90
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.marlene-meya.de