The Italian cherry season has started again. "We received the first load from Orchidea on May 8th. The cherries are of good quality, but unfortunately there is no taste for them just yet. The temperatures aren't there yet and so there is little demand for cherries," says Dirk Biltereyst of Van Lier.
Lower prices
Besides Italian there are also Spanish and French cherries on the market. "There is suddenly some supply here and there and most retailers still have to start the season. For the little demand there is, the supply is big. Larger than the demand in any case." Prices are lower than at the start of the season last year. "Everything depends on the size, but prices vary between 5 and 8 Euro. Suppliers expect between 6.5 and 10, but that's not achievable." The Italian cherries are of good quality. "They didn't have any problems with frost but there was a lot of wind."
Waiting
So the market isn't ready for cherries yet. "I think this is the case with most summer fruit. We are waiting for summery weather. Everything is waiting, peaches and nectarines aren't being eaten much. There will be more volume over the next while so hopefully it will get a bit warmer."
For more information:
Dirk Biltereyst,
Van Lier nv
dirk.biltereyst@vanlier.be
T : +32 2 215 49 15
www.primamundo.com