Top fruit farmers are hard at work, picking their fruit, at the moment. "Most of the pears are in, and many growers are switching to apples this week", says Zweer van Aalsburg of the Dutch FruitMasters. Smaller fruits have been harvested in the provinces of Zeeland and Limburg. This is due to the dry, hot weather. However, according to Zweer, the apples and pears in Betuwe and the other Dutch cultivation regions, where irrigation was possible, have grown nicely. "Both the apples and pears are larger there."
"The sale of apples is currently mainly focused on the domestic market. The other countries are all busy with the start of their own harvest. You can see an increase in pear exports. Last year, there was already some demand in Germany. However, I am only expecting this on the market from November onward. We have a completely different season to last year. There are larger volumes in Europe, so the market still needs to really settle down. Prices for Elstar apples are at around the EUR0,60/0,70 for the 70'ers and around EUR0,75/0,80 for the 75'ers. The price for Jonagolds, with a price of EUR1 for the 70'ers, are slightly higher", he says.
"A large number of growers are currently harvesting everything for storage. They are only going to concern themselves with selling once everything has been harvested. We will see how the season develops. The quality is good. The abundant hours of sunlight have ensured a high sugar quality and a good taste. Here, at any rate, there will be no problems here", concludes Zweer.
For more information:
Zweer van Aalsburg
FruitMasters
7 Deilseweg
PO Box 222
4190 CE Geldermalsen
Tel: +31 (0) 345 578 808
www.fruitmastersholland.nl