The season for apples from overseas is good as good as over. "It's been a beautiful season," says Jos de Bast of Van Dijk Foods Belgium. "The apples from South America, South Africa and New Zealand came to an almost empty market in Europe. Also supply and demand was in perfect balance, which allowed for the realization of some good prices.”
The importer receives almost all apple varieties. Popular varieties are Pink Lady, Jazz, Fuji, Granny Smith and the traditional Royal Gala. He says that Pink Lady in particular is much sought after. "This we receive from New Zealand, Chile and Argentina, and this season we have had difficulty to keep up with demand." Jazz apples however, were in abundant supply.
At the beginning of the European season, overseas production was as good as gone, leaving room for a good start. According to Jos, the fact that there has been an overproduction, and that there was good demand coming from Asia, play an important role. "Fewer apples have made it our way, but because of that, supply and demand were in balance."
sales@vdfb.be