After a slightly calmer summer period, demand for the Cash & Carry trade has picked up again somewhat for Enes Groenten & Fruit in Venlo, the Netherlands. “Cash & Carry is still our core activity, but now the activities have been expanded by import and export and by supplying to wholesaler’s markets, wholesalers and supermarkets. The export branch did well this summer,” says Ercument Saka. “We are very happy with the season.”

import from Turkey is still an important pillar for the Turkish company. Enes carries numerous products, such as Sivri, Carli, Dolma, Kapya, Ucburn, white courgette, mini-cucumbers, Turkish aubergine, quince, grapes, cherries, figs, melons and pomegranates in all varieties, sizes and packagings under own brand Huser Fresh.

Enes completes the import range with fruit from Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Germany and Belgium. “On Thursday we’ll receive the first Spanish satsumas from the Mifer brand. This has become our house brand for satsumas, clementines, oranges and persimmon. We also expect plenty of fruit under this brand this year,” Ercument says. “Enes didn’t just double supply from Spain and Turkey, but nowadays we also have a complete range from Belgium. Moreover, we’ll soon expand with our overseas trade.”

“We finished the Turkish cherry season a bit earlier this year. The Sultana grape season from Turkey started four weeks ago, followed by figs from the Bursa province. Cultivation circumstances were good, and demand is very good. We have seen Turkish figs becoming more popular every year. We have them from small to large sizes (12-22), and in all possible selections. They can also be found in German supermarkets more and more,” Ercument says.

“Another product we’re growing considerably with, is pomegranate. We export these to the better supermarkets in the UK and Scandinavia. We expect to sell double the volume compared to last year,” the Turkish trader says. He says he’s not bothered by competition. “We have the best quality for the best price.”