"Plenty of product, but little spark in the trade," observes Pieter de Ruiter of 4Fruit Company. "You notice that everyone has plenty of time to look at the trade, and then people always find something. Earlier this week, I had hoped things would improve soon, but it quickly became clear that wasn't going to happen. Next week, the whole world will be in Madrid, so before the market revives, it will already be mid-October."
© 4 Fruit Company BV
He recently visited his Peruvian suppliers. "Last grape season was moderate to poor, as was the Brazilian one. On top of that, Trump's tariffs are still hanging over the market. Now they are counting on the United States, but at the same time, the pressure on other markets like Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East will only increase further."
"Spanish fruit vegetables are also already being offered in abundance. This week, for example, we already received full trolleys of cucumbers, peppers, and courgettes. On Monday, Dutch peppers were selling for 10–11 euros, which got the Spaniards excited, but by Wednesday the Dutch price had already dropped to around 8.50 euros, and the Spanish ones were selling for 7 euros."
© 4 Fruit Company
"The price of Spanish courgettes is between 4 and 4.50 euros, and cucumbers are sold for 3–3.50 euros. And you shouldn't wait too long, because they discolour within a day," Pieter continued. "All in all, there is still plenty of Dutch produce. Only aubergines are in short supply, and there are too few from Spain as well."
© 4 Fruit Company
Meanwhile, 4Fruit Company has also received the first persimmons from Anecoop under the Bouquet brand. "We weren't supposed to receive them for another week, but they arrived earlier. They are Rojo Brillante khakis, so they are good varieties. Almost all are still small sizes (42–45), while everyone is waiting for the bigger ones (35–38), which are not yet available. Prices are around 23.50 euros for 7.50 kilos."
For more information:
Pieter de Ruiter
4 Fruit Company
Handelsweg 30
2988 DB Ridderkerk
+31 (0) 180 641902
[email protected]
www.4fru itcompany.nl