"Collaboration needed to create good price formation for this tasty harvest"

The top fruit harvest is in full swing once again. Alex van Ieperen of Direct Fruit Services sums it up. "We have an especially good and delicious product this year. What is important now is that all partners in the chain are prepared to work together to create a good price formation for everyone."

"The harvest is in full swing and we see that generally speaking the quality of the harvest is above average. The new season has started well, entering a market with low volumes. Despite the drought, Conference is of a very good quality, of course the size has been affected, but the flavour and peel quality are exceptional this year. We will, however, all have to work together - growers, service providers, retailers - to ensure the consumer chooses our product with reasonable prices, all parties need to be prepared to do this. The number of Conference pears that has to be sold will be no less than last year. The number of kilos won't differ much compared to last year," expects Alex.

 
Doyenne Du Comice
"The harvest of the Doyenne du Comice pears will start soon. The peel quality here is very good too, with a good brix as well. The size here will also be slightly lacking compared to last year, but the harvest will be larger on the whole. There is a good appearance quality here too and the market will do its job."

 
Beurré Alexander Lucas
"We will receive a good Beurré Alexander Lucas harvest too. The size of this variety is slightly smaller this year due to drought, like the others. The peel quality is good too. The market is slowly getting going, the standard destinations have a good harvest themselves so the sales will take a little longer to get going. The price level compared to previous years will also have to be let go to create a wider sales area," says Alex.

 
Elstar
"A mediocre Elstar harvest is expected, in which the demand for the domestic market and supply will remain reasonably balanced. The danger is that we start too high, which makes it impossible for retail to plan offers. Without enough offers there is quickly 'too much' product," warns Alex.

 
Jonagold
"The Jonagold is an apple of which there is more than enough for the domestic market. As far as export is concerned an apple that is now being compared to product from Poland. This will become a fight to maintain our market share now and in the future," concludes Alex. "We wish everyone a good harvest!"

For more information:
Direct Fruit Services BV
Lichtschip 49
3991 CP Houten
Tel: 0031 (0) 30-3031400
Fax: 0031 (0) 30-3031399
aieperen@directfruitservices.nl
www.directfruitservices.nl