"We've reached the final phase of the current marketing season. It's time for reflection, evaluation, and possibly some contemplation. Moreover, we're already casting a sidelong glance towards the new harvest," says Randy Dijksman of Combilo. "Fortunately, the ongoing season has been good and healthy for most fruit growers. As for pears, the market has been stable for several months now, at a nice price level. As was anticipated, the extreme price spike we saw last season has not occurred so far. I also don't expect it to happen. The total stock of pears is still sufficient, and supply and demand are more or less balanced. At the moment, there even seems to be a bit more supply than demand. And especially in terms of fruit of weaker quality. We're seeing an increase in complaints and more waste during the sorting process. This is unfortunate, as the current price level also creates certain expectations among our customers."
"Additionally, several importers have brought in more free volume of pears from the Southern Hemisphere in response to the huge demand last year. This year, things are different. Conference is still the king and is not easily dethroned. However, we must take into account that there are now fresher and cheaper alternatives available. This is noticeable, for example, on the German market where we at Combilo are very active. Various lines of Conference have unfortunately been replaced by, for example, Abate Fetel," continues Randy. "I think an important point of evaluation is to always center the quality of the fruit when considering the timing of sales. Lately, the focus has been primarily on price, and there has been too much forcing in that area. As a result, there are pears that should have been sold a few months ago that have been sitting for too long."
"In the coming period, I expect a recovery in the balance between supply and demand once the weaker quality fruit has been cleared. Essentially, from now on, 95% of all prices and volumes are fixed in programs. Trading parties have covered this, and I foresee little free trade. The auction clock in Belgium has also played no significant role for several weeks," says Randy. "Since Combilo is primarily an export and re-export party, we are hardly active in the field of Dutch apples. I hear that Elstar are being cleared quickly, but not always without quality challenges. In Europe, Gala has also been largely cleared. We close the Polish apple season at the beginning of May and then fully switch to overseas fruit. The prices of apples in general have been more than satisfactory. Jonagold will still be available for some time, although it is far from certain whether it will connect with the new season."
"The flowering period of the new harvest has been challenging, but thanks to some beautiful and warm days, it has turned out well for most of the main varieties. The period shortly afterward brought bigger problems, including hail, (very) low temperatures, storm, and also local frost. Undoubtedly, a large part of the Netherlands has suffered hail damage to a greater or lesser extent. The strong wind and low temperatures also led to considerable stress. The effects of all this will become clear in the coming weeks. However, nature is resilient and will eventually recover to some extent. It is still too early to make statements about the possible new harvest," the hard fruit trader continues.
On May 1, Combilo celebrates its 100th anniversary. This will be celebrated appropriately. "We would like to thank all our partners for their trust and hope to continue to maintain and develop this for many more years to come."
For more information:
Randy Dijksman
Combilo b.v.
Transportweg 23
2742 RH Waddinxveen
Tel: +31 (0)180 446 747
r.dijksman@combilo.nl
www.combilo.nl