“The overseas apple season started as a success story. Import volumes were incredibly high at first, because the European harvest was so small,” says Stefanie de Puysseleir, importer for Capespan. “In addition to the large volumes, prices were also at an all-time high. In the first three months, high import volumes and high prices were all quietly absorbed by the market. All thanks to the small stocks of European fruit.”
On the other hand, the overseas pear season wasn’t easy. The weather was one undeniable factor for the difficult sales. “Early in the season we had competition from summer fruit, and that was a blow for the pears. We started later, and the pears never recovered, not even with low import volumes. This year, prices were 15 per cent lower than in previous years,” Stefanie says. The end of the overseas season is in sight. Next week, the season will be over.
Speculative volumes
The importer has now noticed a change in demand. “The European apples are early this year, and retail is switching to local product. I think we’ll be done with overseas product, except Pink Lady, within two weeks,” Stefanie says. Yet some product still has to be sold. “Exporters have seen that it went very well on the early market. They shipped their large volumes later, so some product is still available.”
“Pink Lady had a good, stable season. Quality was very good, as were the volumes. Sales are still happening, and we’re hoping to end the season well this way. For the other varieties, such as Braeburn, Cripps and Granny Smith, we’ve seen a considerable slump in prices as a result of the new harvest of European apples.”
Organic
Capespan currently doesn’t trade a lot of organic apples and pears. “We’re looking into the options, and this will increase in the next few years. We’re definitely seeing a rising line in demand for organic apples and pears, so we’ll have to meet this,” Stefanie says. The supply of varieties has been very stable as well in recent years. “Pink Lady remains popular, and the rest follows. Supply of new varieties is definitely necessary to continue attracting consumers, but up till now, these have been niche products.”
For more information:
Stefanie de Puysseleir
Capespan Continent
Atlantic House
Noorderlaan 147
2030 Antwerp, Belgium
+32(0) 3 546 09 22