'Kordia week'
Etienne continues, "The Samba cherries have been picked. The cherries experienced some damage last week due to the rain. Next week is 'Kordia week'. The Kordia variety should be ripe and ready by next week." In terms of prices, Etienne is certainly not dissatisfied, "It is cherry time again and supply is not too high, so prices are good." 80% of the cherries are marketed under the brand 'Haspengoud'. The majority of the cherries go to the Belgian retail market, with a small portion destined for export.
Increasing volume
The volume at Veiling Haspengouw is increasing every year; the number of producers that deliver cherries is between 100 and 150. "In recent years growers have been expanding. We are talking about relatively young farming land that generates more cherries year after year. In addition, in terms of roofing, there has been somewhat of a catch up phase. Nevertheless, the percentage under cover is still on the low side. Many are still highly dependent on certain weather conditions. Last year a good number of Kordia and Regina cherries were lost due to rain. Fortunately, more and more growers know that they have to deal with this professionally."
Despite the fact that a portion of the crop was damaged last year, the volume was still higher than in 2013, "In terms of volume, the number of cherries, especially the early cherries, was high. If the weather continues to cooperate this year, we will harvest more than last year. The weather conditions are useful for high quality cherries, and the forecast will help in stimulating consumption. Actually, everything is going well for the cherries. They have the wind at their back."
For more information:
Etienne Leclère
Veiling Haspengouw
Tongersesteenweg 152
3800 Sint-Truiden
Tel: +32 11 670 611
Fax: +32 11 672 776
www.veilinghaspengouw.be
For more information:
Etienne Leclère
Veiling Haspengouw
Tongersesteenweg 152
3800 Sint-Truiden
Tel: +32 11 670 611
Fax: +32 11 672 776
www.veilinghaspengouw.be