Yesterday the strawberry price at Cooperation Hoogstraten was at a low point. "We are talking about a price of less than a Euro per kilo. As far as I know we have never experienced this," says Jan Engelen. He indicates that open ground growers in particular were affected by this drop in price. "As this cultivation is only available for part of the year, it is especially bad for these growers. Certain qualities are now being supplied to parties from the industry."
Rain
There was a mini revival in the price today. It was slightly higher than yesterday. "More rain is expected, so we are pessimistic. As far as we're concerned the sun can come back. The weather has influence on both the production and consumption. The production is still quite considerable. Over 300 tonnes was supplied today. The consumption is also lower when it rains."
Other factors
It's not just the weather that influences the strawberry market. "There are multiple factor that come into play. Scandinavia has its own production at the moment, so less is going there. France now produces itself and prefers its own cultivation. Finally, the Euros are also a factor. Unfortunately this also doesn't have a positive influence on the strawberry consumption."
For more information:
Jan Engelen
Coöperatie Hoogstraten
Loenhoutseweg 59
Hoogstraten - Belgium
Tel: +32 3 3400233
Fax: +32 3 3147844
www.hoogstraten.eu