Compared to previous years, the current stock in the Altes Land is below average. "It was clear to us from the outset that the harvest volume would be lower this season. We have taken precautions so that we can continue to supply our customers with produce from the Altes Land. In this respect, the current situation is not alarming," reports Jürgen Schliecker from the fruit wholesale business of the same name in Jork. "For certain varieties, including Wellant, we may not be able to make a seamless transition to the new harvest. Elstar and Braeburn are still in stock. Jonagold, like every year, has not made an appearance so far and is particularly predestined for the last phase of the marketing season."
© Schliecker GmbH & Co. Fruchthandels KGAerial view of the modern company location in Jork. Across all varieties, the storage apples are of good quality, and there is a correspondingly high sorting rate.
Due to the below-average stocks, attempts are being made to control the outflow of quantities through higher prices. Schliecker: "Presently, we are seeing that the lower price segment and extensive promotions are mainly being served by imported goods, mainly from South Tyrol and occasionally also from Poland. There are also promotions with Altes Land apples, but not to the same extent as in other years. The main focus is on continuity: it is particularly important to us that we can supply the trade with regional apples all year round." Overall, the producer prices for domestic storage apples are around 12% higher than last year. "It's difficult to raise prices currently because the difference to imported goods will eventually become too great. Nevertheless, we are optimistic that we will be able to achieve good prices for our producers when marketing the Jonagold group this summer."
In addition to the range, Schliecker GmbH & Co. KG Fruchthandels KG also offers overseas goods that it imports itself. From calendar week 16, the first programs with Royal Gala from overseas will start in German food retail. Italian Royal Gala should be almost cleared by then, so there will be no overlap. Due to the increased self-sufficiency in Great Britain, one of the most important markets for Italian Braeburn has almost disappeared. Accordingly, they are trying to increase the frequency in Germany, which is also an important sales market for Braeburn. The first overseas Braeburns will then follow from around mid-May.
© Schliecker FruchtgroßhandelIn addition to the main business with food retailers, the Schliecker company also has a stall at the Bremen wholesale market.
Allergy-friendly apple and pear cultivation
Meanwhile, the carousel of varieties in the apple sector continues to turn, Schliecker confirms. "The Wellant is a good example of a variety that no longer has the status of a club apple, but which has firmly established itself on the market due to its excellent taste. As a result, its share of the total cultivation has risen sharply in recent years. However, when it comes to new varieties, you always have to be careful not to overdo it and increase cultivation capacities too quickly, especially since the shelf space is still limited in relation to the large number of club varieties."
Schliecker is also working closely with the Züchtungsinitiative Niederelbe (ZIN) and other local partners on the market launch of the so-called ECARF varieties. "This is a completely new product, grown exclusively in the Altes Land region, which we want to use to appeal to people with apple allergies in particular. The first quantities will be ready for marketing in the coming season. The official brand name of the varieties will be announced in an accompanying advertising campaign."
© Schliecker GmbH & Co. Fruchthandels KG Left: View of the fully automatic, cooled high-bay warehouse with 2000 storage spaces. Right: Packaging of Wellant in Blitzmatic trays.
Furthermore, pear cultivation in the Altes Land is also continuing to gain in importance, which is reflected in a steady increase in acreage. "Regionally produced pears have always been an integral part of our portfolio, but we too are seeing encouraging growth, whether in Novembra (Xenia), Conference or Alexander Lucas. In terms of marketing, there was an almost seamless transition this year, with the last batches in storage being cleared just in time for the start of the overseas season at the beginning of March," he concludes.
For more information:
Jürgen Schliecker
Schliecker GmbH & Co KG Fruchthandels KG
Osterjork 30
21635 Jork
Tel: 04162-90010
Fax: 04162-900150
Wholesale Market Bremen
Tel: 0421-551710
Fax: 0421-556661
info@schliecker-fruchthandel.de
www.schliecker-fruchthandel.de