Plum market sees emergence of Ortenau and domestic varieties

The plum market is seeing the emergence of Ortenau and Hauszwetschgen varieties, alongside a dominance of national varieties such as Jojo. While imports from Moldova and Bosnia have increased, overall availability is not necessarily rising as early varieties from both domestic and international sources begin to exit the market.

In Berlin, Eastern European imports were priced between €1.40 and €1.60 per kilogram for 6-kg wooden crates. Lower-quality Lepotica varieties from Bosnia and Serbia faced downward price pressure, selling for approximately €1.00 per kilogram. Conventional fruit from southern Germany was offered at rates between €1.20 and €1.40 per kilogram.

Destatis anticipates an above-average domestic plum and damson harvest, though it is expected to be slightly lower than the exceptionally high yields of the previous year. Demand remains generally steady to moderate, with high interest in flavorful German varieties as the market shifts toward late-season varieties.

In the apple and pear sectors, early domestic apple varieties are available, and the introduction of southern German varieties like Elstar and Gravensteiner is expanding supply. Meanwhile, overseas shipments from Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa are losing market prominence. Pear supplies from Italy, Germany, and Turkey are increasing.