The Bielefeld-based fruit trading company Albert Schmidt is starting the new year with optimism. According to Michael Wehmeyer, who runs the company with his brother Tim, salads are among the products currently generating significant volumes. “We mainly source our colorful salads from France, while the arugula and endives come mainly from Italy. Since the change of season in mid-November, we have benefited from an advantageous offer, both in terms of price and quality. Only a brief period, in mid-December, was marked by a slight general decline in quality. We therefore compensated for this deficit with Belgian greenhouse products. »
Overview of the seasonal salad assortment
Second phase of the citrus season
At the same time, the second half of the citrus season is underway in the northern hemisphere. “Despite the heavy rainfall that affected the citrus growing regions of Valencia and Castellon, volumes and quality were generally satisfactory for us. In mid-December we switched from Clemenules clementines to Clemenvillas, which we mainly sell under the Der Flieger brand. We also offer Spanish Tango Gold clementines from SanLucar as well as, since the first week of the year, the first Israeli Orri clementines. The products already available are distinguished by their exceptional quality, and prices are now tending to fall slightly. » From week 2, the red Clemenred variety will enrich the clementine offering.
Bimi and Fioretto cauliflowers
In addition to its classic assortment, the Albert Schmidt company also offers rarer citrus fruits, aimed specifically at the specialist trade, adds Michael Wehmeyer. “In the orange category, we currently offer the red varieties Cara Cara and Kirkwood. Although these are niche products representing around a fifth of the sales volumes of the standard product, these varieties require additional information effort. We are expanding our specialty offering not only in the area of fruit, but also in that of vegetables, with products such as Bimi or Fioretto cauliflower. This allows us to position ourselves as a specialized wholesaler. » From week 2, Albert Schmidt GmbH will introduce the first Moro blood oranges of Italian origin. Throughout the year, the company is supplied twice a week with seasonal produce from Italian gardens thanks to a partner at the Verona wholesale market.
Inflation and price sensitivity
The 2024 financial year was also marked by many challenges, explains Wehmeyer, returning to inflationary price fluctuations. “Just before Christmas, Belgian greenhouse strawberries were sometimes up to €1 to €2 per punnet more expensive than usual. However, the chocolatiers at the Christmas markets needed it and accepted these prices. We are fortunate to have many market fruit resellers among our customers, a segment that is generally less price sensitive than other sales channels. » The increase in tolls last year also had a significant impact. “Despite these challenges, we had a good year in which we were able to win new customers in all segments,” he concludes.
Photos: Albert Schmidt Fruchtimporte GmbH
For more information:
Michael Wehmeyer
Albert Schmidt Fruchtimporte GmbH
Wholesale market Bielefeld
Such. : 0521 – 2 80 60
Fax : 0521 – 28 77 80
[email protected]
www.fruchtimport-schmidt.de
