“Apple market stable, Belgian auctions continue to decide market price for pears”

The apple market is currently fairly stable. “That has actually been the case for four weeks,” says Floor van Os from the production company and wholesaler of the same name from Benschop / Papendrecht, the Netherlands. He expects the Dutch season will be quite calm. “We’ll get some more import apples from mid-February, which will partially fill up shelves, but these aren’t a threat to the small European storage.”

“Undoubtedly there will be a gap towards the end of the season, although Golden from Italy and France tends to be extended a bit each year until the Dutch season starts again,” Floor continues. “In December, the Jonagold prices were rising, and these are now stabilising around 80 and 95 cent. The Boskoop season ended on an expensive note, and for Elstar prices are now at a level between 1 euro and 1.20 for the best quality, so these are very decent prices.”

The situation on the pear market is quite a different story. “Belgium continues to decide market prices at auction, and these tend to be reference prices. Early in January we saw quite a recovery with an increase of 15 cent for large sizes, but this was undone in just three auction days. In the Netherlands, there has been stable clearing, but I think Belgium cleared badly in December, and they are now catching up, causing pressure on the prices.”

“Because of this, the better, irrigated pears aren’t receiving their higher prices, although these have a much better average price than frost pears. The quality of the pears is fairly stable. Batches affected by wind damages now have to be cleared. I expect a stable market for the coming four weeks, but I’m optimistic about the continuation of the season. Conference is well-absorbed, particularly in Germany, and we can only hope this is used to go full speed ahead with smaller sizes towards retail.”

For more information:
Firma J.C. van Os
Dorp 99
3405 BB Benschop, the Netherlands
floor@fruithandelvanos.nl