“At the moment we are experiencing a real run on large red plums,” states Tim Keller, manager of Reinhard Schmidt Gemüse from Bremen. This development during this time of the year is really unusual for the experienced wholesaler: “I have never sold so many plums during this season.”
The plums are imported from Spain and South Africa. Where the trader buys the plums depends on the quality. “The quality of the batches is a decisive factor,” states the expert, “When the Spanish plums are good, we have the Spanish. If the South African plums are better, we have South African plums. Overall we are very satisfied with the quality of the fruit.”
“The prices for plums are usually fairly constant,” says Keller, “But in the past week the prices dropped slightly. And prices will probably remain at this level for the next two weeks.” The wholesaler can explain the high demand. “The consumers are fed up with apples, pears or bananas. They desire some variety and in turn demand for plums increases.”
The imported plums from South Africa will be available until April. “Normally the import ends when the German plum season starts but until then the South African and Spanish plums will be available.”
