“Good pear market, but sales should not drop”

The pear market has reached an exciting moment. “We had a strong start this year in Conference pears, with sales on all sides. The European retail had to get used to this price explosion, because the prices were very different from the ones they got used to in December. It is now very exciting to see whether they can pass on this price rise to their customers,” says Frans Buijsrogge from the fruit cultivation, cooling and trade company of the same name from Goes, the Netherlands.

“The mood of the cultivators is elated. They are finally experiencing this for a change, and they are on top of the market. The big question remains whether sufficient supplies can be cleared, and whether supply will not become too large. The pear market is looking favourable now, but sales should not drop. Many batches will be lost in May/June, and buyers will have an alternative from Southern Europe,” Frans continues.

“Generally speaking, the quality of the pears is good. Everyone has had a chance to sell batches of lesser quality. The Lukassen season was also fairly good, and we have not quite yet finished the Doyenné du Comice season. The apple market is also much better than it was last year. Good-quality Elstar sells for good prices, but you do have to have sales channels in retail who are willing to pay those prices. The Jonagold market surprised me. Last year, you practically had to beg in order to sell the apples, but now we already have better prices at the beginning of the season. I expected more pressure from Polish apples. Prices are not extreme, but still somewhat respectable,” Frans concludes.

For more information:
Frans Buijsrogge
Buijsrogge Fruit
's-Gravenpolderseweg 118
4462 RA Goes, the Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)6 55 801980
fransbuijsrogge@zeelandnet.nl