New packaging for Hoogstraten carriers

On Monday July 14th Hoogstraten launched a new package for their strawberries. This year, for the first time, Hoogstraten is marketing (on a wide scale) strawberries that can be harvested multiple times. Elsanta, Sonata and Clery varieties of strawberries are well known in the Hoogstraten assortment. These are all short day varieties that require multiple plantings per year in order to bridge the season. With the advent of the multiple-harvest strawberries it is possible, after an early crop, to fill an entire season from one planting. The Capri variety takes up the largest area of the multiple-harvest strawberries. Eventually, other strawberries that can be harvested multiple times will be included in this packaging.

"The characteristics of the multiple-harvested strawberries that are grown at Hoogstraten may not deviate too much from the short day varieties," says Jan Engelen - Sales & Marketing Manager. "Our clients and customers expect fruit that is soft, juicy and a nice colour red, similar to our Elsanta or Sonata."

In 2013 Hoogstraten sold approximately 30 million kg in products. This volume is expected to rise slightly in 2014, this being based upon the known data of the area and the kilo's that have already been harvested. The increase in Hoogstraten's strawberry cultivation is due to a few conscious choices: collaboration with CLTV Zundert, the timely sales technique; transparency; the ongoing presence of Elsanta as the main variety; a strong awareness of quality from the growers and the family character of the business that supports quality thinking.

On top of increasing domestic sales, most of the strawberries from Hoogstraten - approximately 65% - are exported. For the last few years Hoogstraten strawberries have been especially appreciated in Scandinavia. France is also a big buyer; with it's early markets and big supermarkets it buys out 25% of Hoogstraten strawberries. Export to Eastern Europe, specifically Russia, is also increasing.

www.hoogstraten.eu