Normally the cherry season would already have started, but only a small number is on the market. At Auction Haspengouw some crates were delivered last week, but the numbers are still few and far between. “We expect a proper start from the middle of next week,” says Etienne Leclère, commercial manager for Auction Haspengouw. Prices for the first cherries were between 3 and 6 Euro, depending on quality.
Early strains have not been harvested
The season is later than usual. “Additionally, the weather has not exactly been in our favour lately. Yesterday and today it was overcast and rainy. Because of the rain at the beginning of the season, the early strains, such as Earlise, burst and could not be harvested. Besides, they are maturing slower because of the cold weather. Hopefully it will become sunnier soon, so that the cherries mature quicker and we can start the season. Fortunately, better weather is predicted from tomorrow.”
Between 2.5 and 3 million kilograms
The majority of the cherries at Auction Haspengouw are marketed under the label ‘Haspengoud.’ A large part is bought by Belgian retail, and a large part is meant for export. “If the rest of the season sees regular circumstances, the harvest will not be smaller than last year. We expect between 2.5 and 3 million kilograms.”