Dried fruits

Dried fruit tastes good, contains lots of nutrients and has a long shelf life. At August Töpfer & Co., you can buy dried fruits cheaply online for a wide range of uses in the food industry.

Our selection of dried fruits

Banana chips

Raisins

Currants

Cranberries

Organic raisins

Dried fruits from an experienced wholesaler

Drying or dehydrating food is one of the oldest forms of food preservation, with a long tradition particularly in the Near and Middle East. Reducing the water content of fruit and other food leads to a longer shelf life. Dried fruits still contain around 15 to 20 percent water on average. Many of the valuable components originally present in the fruit – such as minerals, antioxidants and fibre – are retained in the drying process. What’s more, sugar and flavours become more concentrated, resulting in dried fruits usually having a more intense taste than fresh fruit.

Today, dried fruits are highly popular as an ingredient in sweet and savoury dishes, as well as cereals and as a healthy snack. At August Töpfer & Co., you can find a wide range of wholesale high-quality dried fruits from, in addition to sugar specialities and nuts. We focus on close communication and trusting cooperation with our longstanding contractual partners in the countries of origin. This way, we ensure that you always receive your dried fruits on time and in the quality you expect.

Production of dried fruit

Dried fruit is traditionally produced by drying fruit using the light and warmth of the sun. In warmer climatic zones, these methods are still applied today in some places. At our latitudes, the moisture is usually removed from the fresh fruit in industrial drying facilities. For dried fruits in fresh quality, the temperature during drying should not exceed 42 °C. To produce aromatic dried fruit, it’s important to use ripe and high-quality fruit. Banana chips are an exception; in this case, unripe bananas are sliced, fried and then dried in the production process.

Depending on the fruit and application, the fruit’s own sweetness can be supplemented with honey or sugar. Since dried fruits often have a different colour, sulphur dioxide or alternatively E220 or sulphide is frequently used in the production of dry fruits. These additives ensure that even berries retain their bright red colour, instead of becoming brownish and dull. If these additives exceed 10 milligrams per kilogram of dried fruit, this must be stated on the packaging in Germany. Sorbic acid improves the shelf life of dried fruit. Waxes and oils for treating the surface also prevent the product from sticking together in the packaging.

Health benefits of dried fruits

Thanks to their sweet taste and intense fruit flavour, dried fruits are a popular substitute for chocolate, wine gums and other sweets. Dried fruit contains hardly any fat – only natural sugar and a large number of components beneficial to health, which are also contained in fresh fruit. Sporty and active people in particular can benefit from dried fruits as a quick supply of energy. Moreover, the fibre contained in dried fruit is twelve times higher than in fresh fruit. As a result, dried fruits contribute to healthy digestion and a robust immune system as a regular part of the diet. Excessive consumption of dried fruits can, however, lead to digestive complaints in sensitive people. Furthermore, dried fruit should also not be consumed in excess due to the high fructose and energy content. But in moderate quantities, dried fruits provide an important contribution to a balanced, health-conscious diet.

Raisins

Raisins are among the most popular dried fruits in Germany. The name originates from the French word “roisin”, which means grape in English. Dried grapes are a common ingredient in all kinds of baked goods and sweet dishes and can also be consumed fresh. The term raisin is likewise often used for currants and sultanas, which are related. Sultanas typically have a lighter colour and are sweeter than raisins, while currants are darker, smaller and firmer.

Currants

Like raisins, currants are made from seedless grapes. Since only certain varieties can be used, they are typically smaller and more lightly coloured. They are named after the Greek city of Corinth – an area where currants are typically cultivated. The dried fruits retain their form during baking, taste a little more bitter than raisins and sultanas, and are often used in Christmas cookies.

Cranberries

The English word “cranberry” comes from their old German name “kraanbere”. The traditional English name is “fenberry”. Although they are related to German lingonberries, they are much larger and fleshier. In their native region of North America, cranberries have long been a popular ingredient for all sorts of sweet and savoury dishes. Cranberries are primarily used as dried fruits due to their acidic content. Dried cranberries are bitter-sweet and are ideal for mueslis, baked goods, salads and as an ingredient in snack mixes, for example.

Banana chips

To make banana chips, bananas are cut into slices, fried in coconut oil and then refined with honey or sugar. With their crunchy consistency, they make for an excellent snack or ingredient in muesli or trail mixes. Banana chips from August Töpfer & Co. are produced in the tropical regions of south-eastern Asia. Our main suppliers are located in the Philippines and they continuously provide us with fresh product thanks to the year-round banana harvest.

Use of dried fruits

Dried fruits are incredibly versatile. They are light, have a long shelf life and provide energy, fibre and nutrients as a snack between meals. Depending on the application, the fruits can be used whole, chopped or even as a paste.

Trail mix – a mixture of nuts and dried fruits – is a practical and healthy snack. Snack mixes usually contain raisins, cranberries or dried apricots or mangos. (Image: © bhofack2/iStock.com)

© Arek Adeoye/unsplash.com — Thanks to the sweet taste, dried fruits often replace other sweeteners like sugar, honey or maple syrup. All kinds of chopped dried fruit are ideally suitable as an ingredient in muesli and other breakfast cereals. Also in fruit slices, muesli bars or energy balls, dried fruit provides a healthy and natural sweetness – without the addition of sweeteners.

Adding dried fruit gives a fruity flavour to sweet bakes, pancakes, fruit bread, cakes, raised pastries and many other baked goods. (Image: © etorres69/iStock.com)

In the Mediterranean region and in Asia, dried fruits are traditionally also used in savoury dishes as well as in combination with meat and fish. They taste excellent in salads, dips and appetisers and provide a delicate sweetness in sauces, tajines, pan dishes and curries. (Image: © ALLEKO/iStock.com)

Dried fruit can be an aromatic addition to yoghurt, cream and quark, as well as ice cream and various desserts. (Image: © czarny_bez/iStock.com)

Dried fruits also make for delicious sweets when covered in chocolate or finely chopped in chocolate bars. In candied form – i.e. coated in sugar – dried fruits such as orange peel and lemon peel are a traditional baking ingredient for fruit loaves, gingerbread and many other recipes. (Image: © Esdelval/iStock.com)

Dried fruits: shelf life and storage

Dried fruits have a long shelf life primarily due to the removal of much of the water contained in the fruit. Well-packed and protected against air, light and heat, dried fruits can usually be stored for several months or even years. Sealed jars and containers are typically suitable for storing dried fruit. However, it’s important to prevent moisture penetration as this can lead to mould on dried fruit.

In the case of dried fruit with a very high sugar content, such as figs, dates or plums, a white coating can form after a while. This is called “sugaring” and it does not indicate low-quality products or an expired shelf life. It’s a completely normal process: while the remaining moisture is released from the fruit, some of the fructose crystallises on the surface of the dried fruit.

Our dried fruit services

August Töpfer & Co. is a leading importer of dried fruits, nut kernels and seeds. Most of our goods are processed and packed in our production facility in Hamburg. This process allows us to regularly check product quality on site and ensure high delivery reliability. Our customers include leading European retailers and discounters as well as the confectionery industry.

Our Dried Fruits business division is divided into Industry Sales, Retail Sales and International Trade. For general questions or enquiries regarding prices and market reports, please contact us via email at: trockenfrucht@atco.de.

Industry

As a renowned importer and wholesaler with many years of experience, we ship our dried fruits to the entire spectrum of the German and European food industry. Our services are just as diverse as our customers. In addition to supplying small and medium-sized enterprises by the pallet from our various storage locations, we also provide just-in-time delivery of goods to large-scale industry in full containers and trucks. In addition to the site in Hamburg, August Töpfer & Co. has a production location in Spain (Colefruse Internacional) as well as warehouses throughout Europe. We import goods through all leading European ports, thereby reducing transport times and logistics costs. Using our affiliated logistics service Alfred Ernst & Co., we ensure that you receive your dried fruits delivery on time and at fair prices.

Retail

We offer various brand names and also provide core products in the baking foods and retail snack products segments under our own producer brand “ATCO”. Our portfolio is based on our range of raw goods. As a brand producer, we create new products in consideration of new statutory packaging regulations. Our standard range includes all common packaging in various forms and materials. With more than 50 fully automated packing lines, we can respond flexibly to customer needs. We develop new goods based on the individual needs and wishes of our customers. With our packed products, we offer a complete logistics package – from import and packaging design to transport.

International trade

As an experienced international wholesaler and commodity trader in nuts, dried fruits and seeds, August Töpfer & Co. supplies customers in Germany, Europe and the rest of the world. We are active in the federal association for wholesale and international trade, Waren-Verein der Hamburger Börse e. V., as well as in the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC). We currently provide the Ambassador for Germany to the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council. Thanks to the multi-lingual nature of our packaging solutions and modern design, we are also able to respond flexibly to international enquiries at all times.

Our dried fruits are certified:

Dried fruits for your individual needs

As a comprehensive food/non-food provider, we offer our customers import, storage, packaging and logistics from a single source. We have the highest standards for the quality of our products and services. Order dried fruits from us online and benefit from our extensive experience and first-class quality at a fair price. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions about our dried fruit range and provide you an individual offer. Give us a call or write to us!

Dried fruits

Our selection of dried fruits

Dried fruits from an experienced wholesaler

Production of dried fruit

Health benefits of dried fruits

Raisins

Currants

Cranberries

Banana chips

Use of dried fruits

Dried fruits: shelf life and storage

Our dried fruit services

Industry

Retail

International trade

Our dried fruits are certified:

Dried fruits for your individual needs

Contact

Products

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