The range of cucumbers consisted of German, Dutch, and Belgian offers. Dutch, domestic, and a few Turkish loads of mini cucumbers were available. According to the BLE, availability had increased in both sectors. Although demand was not unfavorable, it generally failed to keep pace with the increase in deliveries. In Munich, demand for domestic varieties declined significantly at the beginning of the week, which naturally led to a sharp decline in asking prices.
© BLEMarket shares for cucumbers (l) and mini cucumbers
Auction prices in the Benelux countries also fell due to lower volumes. In most cases, the lower purchase prices were passed on to customers during the reported week, which explained the falling prices. The price reductions did, however, accelerate subsequent marketing in some cases, enabling traders to reduce stocks and avoid surpluses. Only small domestic products were occasionally in short supply, causing prices to rise slightly in some places.
Click here for the full market and price report.
Apples
Business was quiet across the board. Older domestic loads continued to dominate, mainly accompanied by Italian and French loads.
Pears
South African supplies dominated: the relevance of Forelle increased significantly, while the importance of Rosemarie declined noticeably. Abate Fetel and Cheeky continued to play an important role, while Williams Christ lost market share.
Table grapes
Chilean imports were at the top of the range and gained further importance. The favorable weather had significantly improved storage conditions. Demand was easily met.
Strawberries
Domestic fruit dominated ahead of Dutch fruit. The quality of the produce was generally good, and traders were mostly able to confirm their previous price requests despite increased availability.
Peaches and nectarines
At the start of the season, Spanish loads formed the basis of the supply. The supply grew noticeably, and the selection of sizes also increased. However, the fruit size was not always convincing; too small calibers did not encourage buyers to spend money.
Apricots
Availability expanded. Storage conditions improved as temperatures rose toward the weekend. Here and there, retailers were therefore able to push through price increases.
Lemons
The supply of Spanish Verna lemons was rather tight, so the high prices of the previous week were confirmed again. In some places, they even climbed a little higher.
Bananas
Availability was mostly in line with storage capacity. There were only isolated deviations. Nevertheless, prices often changed.
Cauliflower
Demand was quite good. Nevertheless, prices tended to fall from time to time, as other types of produce were more popular with customers at this time of year.
Lettuce
The relevance of Spanish iceberg lettuce declined noticeably: the season was entering its final stages and in some places it disappeared from the market. The quality was also no longer consistently convincing, which is why a wide price range established itself in some cases.
Tomatoes
Belgian and Dutch supplies clearly dominated. The warm weather improved demand. Nevertheless, price reductions could not always be avoided, as supply had expanded too much.
Bell peppers
Overall availability increased and exceeded storage capacity. Falling prices were therefore not always avoidable.
Asparagus
The peak of the season appears to be over: after Mother's Day, customer demand seemed to level off, and storage capacity decreased noticeably. However, domestic supplies continued to expand.
Source: BLE
