The raspberry production is starting to get going. The prices are good and according to the Belgian grower Chris Loncke of Frambofruit the consumption is noticeably increasing. But he sees a downside. "We have to watch out that not too much is planted. There are increasing amounts of growers switching to raspberries and other soft fruit. A few due to their own interest, but most are pushed by third parties. I fear for an oversupply in the coming years, it will be here sooner than expected."
Huge increase in Europe
He is positive about soft fruit for the following year. "I believe that the increase in the area will run parallel to the rise in consumption for a while. But there will be a moment when it's over. We aren't the only country growing in soft fruit cultivation. You can see it happening all over Europe. We have learned over the course of the years that over production is a clear characteristic of horticulture: many greenhouse vegetables have also had their dramas. It took a while, but apples and pears have now also fallen. It's not growing that's difficult, but making sure that people eat it: that's the challenge!"
Good price
At the moment the price at BelOrta for 125 grammes is between 1.80 and 2.30 Euro. "They are good prices. I think this season will be positive. The consumption is rising and the demand is good. We also see this in our home sales." Raspberries are 90% of the turnover of Frambofruit. The company grows both the variety Tulameen in the spring and Kwanza in the autumn.
For more information:
Frambofruit BVBA
Chris Loncke
Oude Ieperweg 26
8210 Loppem
GSM: 0032 (0) 477 95 80 21
chris@frambofruit.be
www.frambofruit.be
Frambofruit BVBA
Chris Loncke
Oude Ieperweg 26
8210 Loppem
GSM: 0032 (0) 477 95 80 21
chris@frambofruit.be
www.frambofruit.be