“Elstar until April, we expect to extend Jonagold into the new season”

While other sales organisations have suffered heavy losses, the night frost damages were relatively limited for FruitMasters. “We also have growers in Limburg and Zeeland, but many of our growers managed to irrigate,” says Zweer van Aalsburg. “I expect we’ll be able to continue with Elstar until April, and we’ll be off the market a bit earlier than in previous years because of that.”

Apple prices are at a stable and high level. “The prices for Elstar are roughly between 1 and 1.25 euro, only the prices of larger sizes are a bit lower,” Zweer says. Other varieties are also doing well. “We’ve had some hectic weeks. Many growers don’t work around New Year’s, so that much always arrives at our packing station during those weeks. Traditionally, Boskoop always has promotions around New Year’s, and this year was no exception. It went quite well, but the season is now as good as over. It’s never been over this early.”

Zweer expects more room for import product in apples this spring. “Belgium in particular will be done earlier, they started clearing more for qualitative reasons. Some places in Germany are already finished as well. We’ll also leave the market with Elstar earlier. The same is true for Kanzi, but we can supplement this with import Kanzi. We only expect to extend the Jonagold season from the old to the new harvest.”

The pear market is also doing well. “Comice is in its final week for us, and the Lucassen season has also finished. That leaves Conference and Migo. Although new varieties usually take time before they’re properly accepted on the market, Migo is doing well, as are sales. The Conference season is also successful, prices are between 80 cent and 1 euro for 65ers, 85-95 cent for 75ers,” Zweer concludes. “Every year is different, and this year definitely had its challenges.”

For more information:
Zweer van Aalsburg
Fruitmasters
Deilseweg 7
Postbus 222
4190 CE Geldermalsen, the Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)345 578 808
www.fruitmastersholland.nl