'Soft fruit is not just a hype'

The Dutch soft fruit market has grown substantially in recent years. Many of the farmers have begun cultivating their soft fruit in greenhouses. This enables them to have produce on the market from spring through to autumn. Henk Nijhoff of Veiling Zaltbommel also does not expect this market, if regulated properly, to reach a saturation point. "Soft fruit is an ongoing trend. Reports from, for example, Rabobank, support this. Summer fruit has become increasingly popular over the last few years. One supermarket buyer even called them the new avocado!"

"We have a farmer who is growing the Dutch Kwanza under lights. He had his first crop in February. With three crops per year, he can deliver year-round. Despite the presence of Spanish and Moroccan raspberries, there will certainly be a good niche-market during the winter", says Henk. "The market situation is positive at the moment. Dutch summer fruit is becoming available and demand is high. Raspberry prices are at the 14-15 euro per kilo level and around 4,50 euro (fruit price) for strawberries. I am expecting auction prices to remain fairly stable and for them to go up during negotiations. In addition, sunny weather is very important, especially for the market traders who buy from us."

For the Portuguese Elsanta's, which were auctioned at Veiling Zaltbommel, the season is almost over. "The season was exceptionally good", says Henk. After strawberries and raspberries, the first berries are expected next week and the first cherries will be auctioned. "Here and there, there has been frost damage which did affect some growers. This means a somewhat lower supply of blueberries, red berries, cherries and plums."

Voor meer informatie:
Henk Nijhoff
Veiling Zaltbommel
Tel: 0418-579843
h.nijhoff@veiling-zaltbommel.nl
www.veiling-zaltbommel.nl