"Spanish citrus fruits are expected to be slightly more expensive this year"

The Karlsruhe wholesale market is also currently experiencing its annual seasonal transition. "Due to the holidays, the last few weeks have been very subdued. However, we expect business to gradually pick up again from week 38 onwards," reports Jürgen Weiler, managing owner of Rolf Koch GmbH, when asked.

In terms of product range, the citrus harvest in the Northern Hemisphere is already in the starting blocks. Weiler: "All citrus fruits of Spanish origin are likely to be a little more expensive this year, mainly due to increased production costs. According to the latest harvest forecasts from our regular supplier, part of the clementine harvest in the Valencia area has been destroyed by hail and storms, causing prices for clementines to rise sharply even before they reach the market. Furthermore, the first fruits of the Marisol and Oronules varieties, which will arrive in weeks 41–42, are expected to be rather small." Overseas clementines, primarily Nadorcott and Orri, are expected to be available until the end of November. In the orange sector, the Australian blood oranges of the now-established Dracula brand will be a great eye-catcher from the beginning of October.

There will also be weather-related harvest losses for oranges, but not to the same extent as for clementines. The first Navelinas are expected to arrive in weeks 43–44. Rosé oranges of the Red Lina variety are expected to be available from week 50, followed by the established Cara Cara. "According to forecasts, there will also be a significantly smaller lemon harvest this year. The first Spanish Primofiori are expected from week 40," outlines Weiler, who serves a wide range of customers, including restaurateurs and specialist retailers.

Decline in quantities of Peruvian mangoes
Not only in the citrus category but also in the exotic fruit category, a gradual seasonal transition is now becoming apparent, Weiler continues. "Mangoes of Israeli origin will still be available for around two weeks. In addition to the standard Kent variety, we also sell the David variety, which has a very appealing taste and is also fiber-free. Brazil is now also gradually starting to produce mangoes of the Cherry variety, followed later by the Kent variety. The first Peruvian produce of the Haiden variety is already available, but we are not stocking this variety and are waiting for the first Kent mangoes from the end of October. According to the latest forecasts, however, there will be around 30 percent less volume this year," he concludes.

For more information:
Jürgen Weiler
Rolf Koch GmbH - Fruchtprofis Karlsruhe
Großmarkt Karlsruhe - Box 20, 58-60
Tel: +49 (0) 721-614319
[email protected]
www.fruchtprofis-ka.de