Frucht Connect has been distributing fresh-cut fruit on the German market for many years. Now, in addition to its previous activities, it has taken over the production process itself. This allows complete control over the product, from production to customer delivery. Despite the decline in export activities due to Covid-19, a significant proportion of the innovative Ready-Cut products are still exported to Germany and elsewhere. Furthermore, it was possible to expand the product range, Marketing Manager Kacper Skokowski said in an interview.
As part of the market presence, the product range was expanded to include pomegranate seeds in various packages (from 80 gr to 1 kg). "Similar to other products, the freshness of our pomegranate seeds is particularly important to us. We do not import intermediate products, but just whole pomegranates. In the end, this is decisive not just for the quality and taste of our final product, but also for its appearance." Currently, pomegranate seeds are enjoying a steady demand, as well as increasing popularity.
A 'Season' fruit salad
Serious impact of the pandemic
Frucht Connect's main markets are still Germany, Luxembourg, Austria and Belgium, he said. Skokowski: "We've built up a high level of recognition, particularly regarding fruit salads and monoproducts." Nevertheless, the pandemic has had a noticeable impact on exports, he said. "In the beginning, we didn't think the crisis would have such a serious impact on sales for the gastronomy sector. It continues to be a difficult time for all everyone; for us as exporters and manufacturers as well as for our customers."
Exports of the basic range have been significantly lower during the crisis period so far, he said, yet several, well-known chains have been continuously supplied with Freshcut items during the pandemic. "Our pomegranate seeds have also met with a very high response within food retailing. Otherwise, it is mainly the smaller containers that have saved us so far," Skokowski noted.
Sales show slight upward trend
Particularly in times of the pandemic, the quality requirements in the trade are extremely high. "Our advantage is precisely that we were already striving for the steady quality of our products before the outbreak. Fortunately, the current sales figures also confirm that sales are once again on an upward trend. Nevertheless, Corona has shown us all that it is almost impossible to predict how the situation will develop. We can only hope that the strained industry will come through the crisis stronger."
Despite everything, Frucht Connect is looking ahead confidently, pointing to the rapid development of the fresh-cut industry. "As we reached the turning point of the Corona outbreak, this market segment had already successfully established itself. Ready-to-go vitamin bombs in micro-packages are clearly highly prized by consumers. This makes it all the more important that Fruit Logistica 2022 will take place; we will gladly present our Freshcut range there."
Visit the company at Fruit Logistica in Hall 21.
Images: Fruit Connect
For more information:
Kacper Skokowski
Frucht Connect Sp. z o.o.
Czarnowice 300
66-620 Gubin
Tel. +48 68 359 02 47
E-mail: [email protected]
www.fruchtconnect.com