Domestic strawberries dominated the market. Deliveries from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland supplemented the market. According to the German BLE, the season is in its final stages, with both availability and demand weakening. However, summer temperatures had improved storage conditions. The organoleptic properties of the fruit were not always convincing in some markets. This led to a wide price range in some cases.
© BLE
In Frankfurt, traders raised their asking prices at the beginning of the week, but prices then weakened again as the week progressed. In Berlin, supplies were rather tight, so that even returns from food retailers could be sold without difficulty. Munich reported price increases affecting almost the entire range. In Hamburg, business ran smoothly, with prices of €3 to €3.50 per 500 g tray being achieved.
All in all, prices to date have also reflected the low availability of this year's crop. According to the Federal Statistical Office, German producers are expecting the smallest strawberry harvest in 30 years. In this respect, the significantly higher prices, particularly in June but also in the current late harvest until mid-August, can be explained by the rise in labor and production costs.
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Apples
The domestic supply diversified immensely, with a wide variety of varieties available from Germany. The Italian and French seasons also got off to a good start.
Pears
Deliveries from Germany, Italy, and Turkey expanded. The usual fluctuations were evident in the prices. European loads often became cheaper due to volume.
Table grapes
Italian fruit dominated the scene, with Victoria and Michele Palieri predominating. Sugraone, Red Globe, various Arra and IFG varieties rounded off the range.
Plums
Domestic supplies clearly dominated. The season progressed, with medium-late and late varieties now arriving in greater numbers. Prices did not change significantly, apart from the usual fluctuations.
Peaches and nectarines
As is quite normal at this time of year, prices tended to fall rather than rise. Platerinas and Paraguayos from Spain sold well, but it was not possible to achieve higher prices.
Apricots
The season is coming to an end: a certain degree of customer saturation was evident, as were increased quality defects. Fruit that was too soft or difficult to remove from the stone significantly slowed down sales.
Lemons
South African Eureka lemons dominated, with Spanish Verna lemons complementing the range. Uneventful marketing characterized this week.
Bananas
Supply was generally adjusted to the reduced demand caused by the holidays. Price changes, therefore, remained the exception.
Cauliflower
Domestic supplies dominated. Availability was often somewhat limited. The already established shipments from Poland, Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands were joined by Danish offers in Berlin.
Lettuce
Domestic loads predominated and had a monopoly on mixed lettuce. Belgian lettuce was also available, as was Dutch iceberg lettuce. Availability was generally sufficient to meet demand.
Cucumbers
Deliveries weakened and were not always sufficient to satisfy demand. Prices often trended upward. In some cases, they rose so sharply that the subsequent turnover slowed down considerably.
Tomatoes
Dutch and Belgian supplies continued to dominate. Despite the holidays, demand was quite favorable. Availability was not always sufficient to meet demand.
Bell peppers
Deliveries from the Netherlands clearly dominated the market. Limited availability and higher asking prices led to noticeable price increases in some markets.
Source: BLE