Quality Concerns Drive Extended Sourcing Period
Frankfurt, Germany – The traditional shift in produce sourcing from Spain to the Netherlands has encountered unexpected hurdles this year, compelling suppliers to maintain dual sourcing for certain vegetables due to quality disparities. Deniz Bingöl, a seasoned fruit and vegetable trader at the Frankfurt Fresh Produce Centre and stand manager at Grüntal Ltd, elaborates on the current challenges.
“Typically, by mid to late May, we would have completely transitioned to Dutch produce for items like iceberg lettuce. However, this year, we are still sourcing from both Spain and the Netherlands because the Dutch produce doesn’t meet our quality standards. The heads of lettuce, for instance, are much smaller than usual,” Bingöl explains. “For quality reasons, we are therefore forced to continue importing vegetables from Spain.”
Despite the prolonged sourcing from Spain, Bingöl notes that the current price level for iceberg lettuce remains average. The situation is similarly complex for greenhouse vegetables such as aubergines and courgettes, which are also partially sourced from Spain due to ongoing quality concerns.
Grüntal Ltd, established in 2020, faces additional challenges with carrot supply from both the Netherlands and Spain. “Carrots are currently priced at a premium due to market conditions,” Bingöl remarks. “Similarly, white and red cabbage prices are high, and while we predominantly offer Dutch produce, the availability of German cabbage has been delayed this season. Overall, this year can be characterized as rather atypical in many respects—a truly exceptional year in the industry.”
As Grüntal Ltd navigates these challenges, maintaining a commitment to quality remains paramount. The company continues to monitor market dynamics closely to ensure consistent supply and customer satisfaction amidst the fluctuating conditions.
