Jan Engelen, Auction Hoogstraten
"Demand for Belgian strawberries good due to disappointing Spanish quality"
New: commercial pilot carrier by Capri
"Right now we offer the Clery variety and also some 'illuminated' Sonata. This is not the illuminated winter crop as that has finished. We are starting something new: we have started a larger commercial sample of the Capri variety. This is an extra crop after the earlier Clery, a 'carry over'. It is the first time that we expect to produce a 'carry over' on such a large scale to sell at Auction Hoogstraten. We expect the first at the end of April/start May." He indicates that prices are at a good level. "The winter crop ran well, sales were smooth and prices were good. Today the middle price was just under 10 Euro per kilo."
Requesting parties
Not only Belgium requests Belgian strawberries, volumes also go for export. "It is nice that there is demand from the likes of Scandinavia and England. This is due to the disappointing quality of Spanish strawberries." Auction Hoogstraten also have their sights on further destinations this year. "The Middle East story is still with us and will be further developed. It is a long process, you need to gain the trust of the local people and that takes time. Up until now the experience has been good."
Spread season
Jan views the season positively and indicates that he is satisfied with the current prices. "I don't think they should go any higher, because they need to be sold. Excesses are never good, and especially not for growers. It is of course fun to see extremely high prices but you expect that at other times of the year. I expect that this year will be more spread out. Last year's production was obviously behind. From experience we know that if the season starts early then the volume is spread out over the whole season. That is best for every growing method as they overlap less."
For more information:
Jan Engelen
Auction Hoogstraten
Loenhoutseweg 59
Hoogstraten - Belgium
Tel: +32 3 3400233
Fax: +32 3 3147844
www.hoogstraten.eu
