The Belgian grape season started at the beginning of August. It will finish at the end of October. "This year sees a short season", says Francis Charlier of the Belgian wholesaler, Lejeune. The price of Belgian grapes has remained very stable for years. "The price for the Leopold is more or less EUR22 per kg. And the Ribier is at about EUR18. Depending on demand, this can drop to EUR15. That is a big difference between Belgian and Italian and Spanish grapes. These are also of good quality but are in a completely different price class."
The supply of Belgian grapes has fallen sharply over the last 30 years. "Now we have supplies for about four months whereas before we had ten months' supply. It is a niche product, and there should not be too many Belgian grapes entering the market. The price will drop then. It would, however, be a great pity if the product were to disappear. Many growers are finding it hard to find a successor. The competition from Italian and Spanish grapes is also growing", according to Charlier.
Most of these Belgian grapes find their way to speciality shops. "We have had the same permanent clients for years. The demand has also remained very stable over the years. There is a total supply of about 50.000 kg per year", estimates the wholesaler. Belgian grapes are well-known for their high quality. "It has to be the best of the best.
Cultivation in unheated greenhouses is a thing of the past. All good quality Belgian grapes are grown in heated greenhouses. The heat gives the grapes a full, fleshy taste. It also influences the thickness of the fruit's skins."
There is no more investment being done in new varieties. There are too few farmers for this. "We, fortunately, still have some growers that are 40-50 years old. We do, however, also have farmers who are 75. Belgian grapes are a high-quality product. We hope that this niche product will remain in existence", concludes Francis.
For more information:
Lejeune
3 Strijbroek - warehouse 22/26
2860 Sint Katelijne Waver
Tel: + 32 (0)15 31 69 31