The warm weather is benefitting fruit sales, according to buyer Edwin van Eijndhoven of Gebr. van Aarle from Schijndel. "In rainy summers you sell a lot less. Summer fruits in particular are finding their way well now, as are tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers."
"You see that the availability of some products is limited, but for now we are getting everything we need. The price of soft fruit has risen sharply this week, especially strawberries, which is not bad for the grower, as there has also been a period of very low prices. The availability of stone fruit has been difficult all season. Watermelons are also in limited supply, although you can see that the high price is having a bit of a restraining effect on sales. Dutch plums are also a lot less available, and they are also at a good price," continues the buyer.
"The Dutch cherry season is over, but it has been a good quality season. We now also offer Canadian cherries. There is always a demand for these, despite the fact that the prices of the cherries flown in are a lot higher than for the Dutch product," says Edwin. The fresh produce specialists are still an important customer group at Van Aarle. According to the buyer, some of the specialists still choose to go on holiday and close their business for a few weeks. "These entrepreneurs do not have the opportunity to keep the shop open for various reasons, but still need to recharge their batteries. That hasn't really changed compared to other years."
Although the turnover of retailers has weakened somewhat compared to COVID levels, according to Edwin the sales are on average at a higher level than in the years before COVID. "I am very curious about what the financial picture of households will look like in the coming period when everyone gets their bills and the energy contracts expire. Inflation is currently sky-high, but well, we have been positively surprised before."
For more information:
Edwin van Eijndhoven 
Gebr. van Aarle
Tel: +31 (0)73 5441919
Edwin@aarlegebrs.nl
www.gebrsvanaarle.eu