Netherlands: I would rather sell soft fruit in the winter

The sun is back and it is immediately noticeable in the increasing number of buyers in the Mabru wholesale market in Brussels, Belgium. "The beginning of last week was hard because of the cooler weather, but now we are seeing an increasing demand for soft fruit," says Gerrit De Vlieger from Vrijders wholesale in Brussels. He has been selling soft and hard fruit since he was 16 years old. The company originally belonged to his grandmother, and he has also worked with his uncle for many years. 

Vrijders wholesale sells top fruit year round from Belgium and the Netherlands. In addition, Gerrit has specialized in soft fruit, "Over 60% of our soft fruit runs through Driscoll's. We also buy directly from red fruit growers. We have it all: strawberries, red currants, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries." Other vendors include: Berrybrothers, BelExport, Wim Wouters and Devos.

Currently demand is good and the volume is sufficient, "We have enough supply, so prices are not that interesting. Except for strawberries, there was a price increase on Friday, but that won't last very long. Covered strawberry prices went from 1.50 to 2 euros per half kilo." He said that, in general, winter is a better season for the company. "I prefer to sell soft fruit in the winter. There is no local supply then, so supply is lower. That means that your range is more unique and the prices are often better."