The first arrivals in week 47 marked the launch of the 2024 Egyptian strawberry season. “After a start to the season characterized by high prices, due to the absence of European goods, a slight saturation of the market traditionally occurs, leading to a gradual decrease in orders. Prices will now move downward. Overall, we are happy with the quality and volumes available so far. At the start of the import season, the Federal Office has once again made consumers aware of the importance of product quality,” explains Carsten Gogoll of Böhmer Frische GmbH. “Particular emphasis was placed on respecting and controlling the white content in accordance with commercial class criteria. »
“The main challenge, however, remains logistics, including limited availability of freight space and delays in processing imports,” continues Gogoll. As Cologne-Bonn Airport is no longer served this year, the company is more dependent on Frankfurt-Hahn Airport, which was recently reinstated in the flight plan. However, processing times and handling costs make it difficult to achieve business goals. “We also regularly use Ostend airport for our deliveries. However, in Frankfurt-Hahn as in Ostend, the lack of suitable solutions for partial loads remains problematic,” he explains. For this reason, Frankfurt am Main Airport, with its Perishable Center, remains the company's preferred option.
Carsten Gogoll from Böhmer Frische GmbH with a punnet of Egyptian strawberries. The Mönchengladbach company is exclusively dedicated to the import and distribution of Egyptian and Greek strawberries in winter
Late start to the Greek season
Usually, the first early Greek tunnel-grown strawberries are available from mid- to late November. However, drought and summer heatwaves delayed planting by two to three weeks this year. Persistent rains in late November/early December also slowed growth, limiting the quantities available so far. “Due to this situation, Greek strawberries are currently selling at significantly higher prices than Egyptian products. Without the air supply from Egypt, it would be inconceivable to adequately supply the market until mid-January. Nevertheless, this period inevitably raises discussions about the sustainability of air cargo,” observes Gogoll. “From weeks 1 and 2, we anticipate an increase in Greek volumes as well as consistent and good quality availabilities for Egyptian products. »
Protected cultivation of strawberries in Egypt
Egypt and Greece mainly grow the Fortuna and Festival varieties. Greece also offers the San Andreas variety during the season. In recent years, Greek production areas have increased considerably, making Greece a major alternative to Spain. Germany remains the main export market, followed by Eastern Europe.
First tests with 500 g single-layer trays
Egyptian strawberries generally remain available until the end of March. After this period, Egypt and Greece entered into direct competition with Spanish products. Overall, Greek strawberries can be sold until the start of the German season, in April-May. “From the end of January, 500g packages frequently replace 250g packages thanks to the abundance of Spanish products. For Egyptian strawberries, which are mainly packaged in flat trays, this change has not yet taken place. However, this year, for the first time, we will offer Egyptian strawberries in 500 g single-layer trays to our customers, in addition to the high-end 400 g trays already available,” the press release concludes.
Photos: Böhmer Frische GmbH
For more information:
Carsten Gogoll
Böhmer Frische GmbH
Marie-Bernays-Ring 39
41199 Mönchengladbach
Such. : +49 (0) 21 66 / 96 81-741
[email protected]
www.boehmer-frische.de
