At Lejeune wholesale various grape varieties have been available since the start of August again. Francis Charlier, the grape expert for this company indicates that the supply is less again this year. "The volume is very limited," he says. "We regularly have to say no to our customers."
Exclusive
The season lasts until the start of November with varieties such as Leopold and Ribier. The demand is higher than the supply. It's a shame when you're able to sell but don't have the product. We also had to disappoint other customers, such as warehouses. On the other hand, the Belgian grape remains a niche product and you can make money from it. It's an exclusive product, that certainly has a target audience."
Ribier may die out
The trader indicates that the number of producers of Belgian grapes is shrinking. "The age of the growers of the variety Ribier is between 50 and 70 on average. If there is no extension or succession soon, this supply may die out." However, extension or starting a cultivation company isn't that simple. "If, as a grower, you are growing something else, you can't just switch to Belgian grapes tomorrow. It takes at least four years before you will have a harvest, and besides this the cultivation is very labour intensive. You really have to have a passion for it."
Higher price
Francis used to be a grape grower himself, but the trade attracted him more. He believes there are also good grapes from other origins. "Every year new, tasty varieties are added. It might also be good that the supply of Belgian grapes is so small. Or else there might be an oversupply. And not everyone has money for a kilo of Leopold when you can buy foreign ones for a much lower price." The prices were on average a Euro per kilo higher than in 2014. "Growers are supplying us with a well cared for product and they have to make money on it. Or it's not right."
For more information:
Lejeune NV
Strijbroek 3 - magazijn 22/26
2860 Sint Katelijne Waver
T. + 32 (0)15 31 69 31
F. 32 (0)15 31 40 49
www.nvlejeune.be
info@nvlejeune.be