"No revival in sight for apples"

There is still a sombre atmosphere in the apple market. There is little change. There was a small improvement for pears over the last few weeks. According to Jackie Boussier of export company Boussier the apple price could go up a few cents during supermarket offers. "This is when wholesalers motivate people to buy good apples. Other than this I don't see a revival for apples this season."

Pears up 5 cents
He says that the prices have remained at around the same level recently. "Between 35 and 45 cents is given for the best apples, but that's not a lot. The pear price has gone up a little. The good ones in sizes 55/65 are now averaging 55 cents, 5 cents more than four weeks ago. But we're very happy with that 5 cents."

At the moment Boussier is exporting some to Scandinavia. "Unfortunately these countries are still being supplied with cheaper Polish apples. This is only getting worse. There is still a lot of stock there. The Polish are looking for new markets, and we notice it everywhere." Boussier is also still supplying to regular customers in Germany. "Although the cheaper Polish apples are offered there too, a longer relationship often comes first for many."

New markets
He doesn't see anything special happening any more this season. "New markets don't just pop up. It's very difficult to find a good new buyer. First trial shipments got there, which a lot of work goes into. Then we can deliver, but it's often small volumes. I believe continuing to invest in existing relationships is more effective." He has a better outlook for next season. "But that doesn't help the apples still in storage. If it continues this way growers will falter."

For more information:
Jackie Boussier
Boussier N.V.
Colenstraat 11a
3840 Borgloon - Belgium
Tel: +32-12741991
www.belfrutex.be
jackie@boussier.be