It wasn't looking great for the top fruit market in August. Few people expected a revival, but the season has taken a positive turn. According to a grower and trader from Belgium, it's even 'very good' for pears. "Apples are finally on the rise as well," he says. "The prices slowly started to rise at the start of this week."
Above costing price from size 80
He defines his enthusiasm about the apples. "It's still not amazing and the good prices are only for the large sizes. This is Jonagold and mutants. We're now (21-04) above the costing price for above size 80. The prices for the 80 and 85 are around 60 cents. The sizes under this have also increased, but we're still working under the costing price with them."
Further increase
He expects a further increase in the apple prices. "There is a lot less volume at the moment. A lot was destroyed this season. The apples with a good hardness and quality will definitely still do well." The trader compares it to the pear market. "A lot of companies, including auctions, have collaborated to destroy or almost give away large parties of pears. Almost no one thought there would be a shortage at the end of the season. I think a lot of people panicked, as there were far too many pears around this time last year."
Don't celebrate too soon
Can the season for apple growers still be fixed? "It differs by grower and trader. The people who still have stock at the moment can still recover a bit. Others, who have nothing left, are unlucky. But those with stocks shouldn't celebrate too soon. It could just as easily turn out differently over the next while. My advice is just to continue working and wait."