Theo Kampschoer, Kampexport:
"French peach and nectarine production halved in five years"
The French apricot season started extremely early this season. "We already had apricots on May 5", Theo Kampschoer of Kampexport says. "This year has seen quite a large yield. At the moment we're seeing a lot of the Orange Red variety. We started in the south, and in two weeks we'll be finishing up with this variety in the Lyon area. At the moment we also have our own 'private label variety' (no. AB690). "This one looks like an Orange Red, which is a winner for us. Out front are the varieties Kyoto, Bergeron, Bergarouge, etc."
Kampexport mainly supplies apricots to the wholesale market specialists in Germany and Belgium. "People don't eat apricots in the Netherlands. Only cheap Spanish produce is sold there, to be exported to Russia", Theo says. "This year there's a lot of competition from Spain as well, but there's always a decent demand for apricots. Unfortunately, the weather has been a bit lacklustre in Germany, and Thursday will be another German holiday. That doesn't benefit sales."
Hail threat
The threat of hail also occupies the apricot growers. "The Rhône Valley in particular has seen a lot of hail. In the south, the hail hasn't caused issues yet", the Dutch trader in France says. "Our largest supplier grows 80 hectares of apricots under anti-hail nets. That's relatively unique, because cultivation under nets is pretty expensive, and mainly a privilege of growers of cherries and Pink Lady apples in this region."
The supply of French peaches and nectarines is also gaining traction. According to Theo, the harvest is good, but yields have halved compared to five years ago. "With the official European salaries paid here, there's no competing against Spanish prices. Sure, there are Spanish growers who do things right, but most are still in cheap mass production. We only select the best, aromatic fruit."
"And the specialized client can order exactly what he needs. We deliver daily within 24 hours, fresh from one pallet. Pallets of white and yellow nectarines, white and yellow peaches, apricots and Cavaillon melons are orders that come in every day here", Theo recounts. "We focus on the best product, not on making a quick buck, and ultimately you see this strategy paying off.
"The local market is still very important for sales of French peaches and nectarines, however. Without the interior market, French cultivation would soon be over and done with. The French buyer pays much more attention to taste and quality. That's just the French way of living", Theo concludes.
Voor meer informatie:
Theo Kampschoer
Kampexport
Tel.: +33 467 567 354
Fax +33 467 569 119
www.kampexport.com
