There are a lot of positive sounds from the cherry market this year. So far most of the traders are satisfied with the demand and the prices. This includes Ludger Nollet, trader in Mabru, the wholesale market in Brussels. He mainly trades top fruit and cherries and indicates that the upcoming holiday has had some influence on the sales. "July 21 is a holiday in Belgium, so we sold a bit more on Saturday. But a lot of shops are closed today, so it doesn't quite make up for the Tuesday off."
Quite far in the season
He indicates that the season has gone quite quickly. "Last year a lot of early varieties were burst by rain, but this year it went well. At the moment Regina is on and you're starting to see some of the Sweetheart variety. When it's around you know you're quite far into the season. The end will be in sight in a few weeks."
The bigger the pricier
The prices have been good so far. "They are generally comparable to last year. Nowadays there is a very clear distinction in size. The different sizes used to all be put in one box, but now everything is neatly sorted. The bigger sizes are also often pricier. The Kordia is usually the cherry with the highest prices. It was between four and five Euro for the 28 plus for a long time. Regina may also make that price this season."
Ludger hopes that the weather remains summery. "Rain isn't very good for the cherries of course." He believes it wasn't always easy for the cherry growers. The suzuki fly is starting to cause more and more damage. "I've been hearing here and there at the growers are bothered by it. They don't see it until the end of the ripening. There are certainly measures being taken, but it really seems to be a problem."
For more information:
Ludger Nollet
Nollet Fruit
Tel: +32 (0)2 245 72 81
GSM: +32 (0)496 79 65 59
Fax: +32 (0)13 44 19 12
For more information:
Ludger Nollet
Nollet Fruit
Tel: +32 (0)2 245 72 81
GSM: +32 (0)496 79 65 59
Fax: +32 (0)13 44 19 12