Two weeks ago, the harvest amounted to 60.2 tons and was therefore somewhat above the predicted 50.7 tons. For week 37, the total Swiss expectation was at 49 tons. The daily offer, which is lower than 10 tons, must be supplemented with imported products, if necessary, in order to meet market requirements. At the end of week 36, the total volume of strawberries was 5738.5 tons, which equates to 77% of the average of the past five years (2012-2016). The strawberry harvest of 2017 is unfortunately the smallest of the past 6 years.
Market situation
Because of the weather situation in the current season, the demand is declining. However, we expect a better marketing of raspberries this weekend. The offer of raspberries is still relevant for the market, more so than that of blackberries. Swiss strawberries and blackberries remain of great quality, which appeals to consumers and will increase sales over the weekend.
The free import phase for strawberries and raspberries as already started. For the blackberry market, the import quota of 20 tons ended on the 19th of September.
Raspberries: The volume of raspberries is declining, but is still relevant to the market. Raspberries will still be harvested in October. Two weeks ago, the harvest amounted to 93.5 tons. The expectation for week 37 was 74.6 tons. For this week, it is 74.6 tons. 45 to 50 tons are expected in week 38. Therefore, 20 to 30 tons will be available for the Swiss market each week. In order to make these raspberries marketable from mid to the end of October, the necessary efforts will have to be made.
Blackberries: There are fewer blackberries available and we are reaching the end of the harvest period. In week 36, the harvest of blackberries amounted to 12.2 tons. The expectation for week 37 was at 8.8 tons. Blackberries remain of good quality. At the end of week 36, the supplied amount of raspberries was 371.2 tons, which nearly equals the average of the past five years (2012-2016). There was a decline of about 3% compared to 2016, although the production area increased by 5.5% in the same period.
Blueberries: The harvest period of blueberries has already ended. Two weeks ago, it amounted to 4,251 pounts. The total Swiss expectation of week 37 was for 1,323 pounds. At the end of week 36, the supplied amount of blueberries was 286.9 tons, which equals 79% of the average of the last five years (2012-2016). Compared to 2016, this is a decline of about 11%.
Currants: The harvest has come to an end. In week 36, the harvest amounted to 2.5 tons. For week 37, the total expected Swiss harvest was 2.1 tons. At the end of week 36, the amount of supplied currants was 242.6 tons. This equals 86% of the average of the past five years (2012-2016).
For more information:
Schweizer Obstverband
Baarerstrasse 88
6300 Zug
Telephone +41 (0)41 728 68 61
www.swissfruit.ch