The results of the sales of Sweet Sensation 2015-2016 were presented by The Greenery top fruit team in front of a well filled room on Tuesday night 30 March 2016 at Van der Valk in Ridderkerk. Satisfied growers looked back at a successful Sweet Sensation season 2015/2016 with the The Greenery team.
Bert Wilschut opened the meeting and announced a number of meetings for Sweet Sensation growers that are coming up. Michiel Appelhof, president of the producers group Sweet Sensation, entering the meeting with a good feeling. The growers' input was listened to, which meant that improvements have been carried out that raise the growers result.
Higher pack-out
Co van Wiggen spoke about the quality policy. The goal is to get a higher pack-out Sweet Sensation quality in which the customers continue to see the Sweet Sensation as a premium pear. During the season the quality team of all companies has mapped out the quantity and quality. The colour was strikingly better and the hardness higher than in 2014. During the harvest the growers paid more attention to quality. The flavour was also very good this year. The late hail damage did cause problems for some parties.
Rene Bal and Anton Jongerius explained some technical cultivation issues. A regular production can be achieved with artificial pollination and research will be done to improve the colour.
Ton van Wiggen spoke about the commercial results. The market for top fruit is still difficult due to the influence of the Russian boycott. Yet good prices were realised, well above the price of other pears. Not just for the regular sizes of Sweet Sensation, but also for the finer sizes, the Sweet Dored quality and the class 2. The demand from the customers was very good. Over 4 million kg was sold with an above average Sweet Sensation quality pack out. The top ten growers had a pack out of 83% to 93%. The combination of good pack out with high prices is causing a satisfactory result for growers.
Henk van Wetten with his prize
Henk van Wetten, highest average price
Finally, the Sweet Sensation prize was awarded to the grower with the highest average price for their harvest including industry. This year the honour went to Henk van Wetten. Bert Wilschut asked Henk what the force behind his success was. Henk indicated that you are dependent on external factors such as the weather, but that knowledge and dedication are needed to reach the top. Henk also had his father share his success, as Van Wetten senior also contributes to the final result.
Overseas plantations
Gerard van Loon spoke about the expected future as variety owner LVE. There is more interest in planting more in the Netherlands. More is also being planted in surrounding countries due to the demand for local production. There was also planting in Argentina, Chile and South Africa, which will ensure a year round programme.
The growers look towards a new season with satisfaction.
For more information:
The Greenery
Marc Schoenmakers
Mobiel: 0031 (0) 6.12.56.95.17
