The French stonefruit season has started late this year at Teughels, "The first volumes came in last week; last year we had already started in the beginning of June." This mainly has to do with the colder spring France had this year. "The calibre of the stonefruit is smaller right now, but that will change within ten days," says Jaqueline de Roock, who runs the importing business together with her daughter Christel.
Bayard
Teughels is the only business in the import market in Brussels that markets Bayard stonefruit, "We have had this supplier for 25 years and we, as well as our customers, are still very happy with them," says Jaqueline. "At Bayard, the focus is on quality, and the taste and sugar content are perfect. During the harvest a careful selection of the best fruit is made." According to Jaqueline, the prices are at a good level. "Last year we were already a little further into the season at this time so the prices were a little lower then." The price level of the French product is higher than that of the Spanish product, "In France, growers have more costs since the harvest is more labour intensive. On average, the price difference is around half a Euro per kilo."
Changes in trade
The products are sold to market traders, shopkeepers and supermarkets. Jaqueline has seen a major change over the years, "There are fewer and fewer small traders and shopkeepers. In addition, supply is much greater now. Roughly 20 years ago you had to get there early to get the best fruit. At the time we were traders at Tour et Taxis. The products came by train and we sold what was there. If there was no more, too bad. Now there is always too much and most fruit is available everywhere. It is difficult to distinguish your business. Fortunately, we can still do that with Bayard."
For more information:
Jacqueline en Christel De Roock
Teughels NV
Europees Centrum voor fruit en groenten
Werkhuizenkaai 112/154
1000 Brussel
Magazijn 63 + 64
T +32-022424581
F +32-022453342