The first Conference pears of the season are currently entering Dutch stores. "Two to three weeks ago, it seemed difficult for trade and growers to come together. I had my doubts whether there'd be much off-tree selling. But, trade generally picked up quickly, and growers and traders have agreed to middle prices of €0.60 to €0.65. We've sold quite a lot off-tree via our trading platform," says Emanuel Sluis, Service2Fruit's trade director.
"Most growers are optimistic, given the European harvest forecasts. What's happening in Eastern Europe is causing the most uncertainty. With last year's dry weather, Belgians came to buy pears in the Netherlands and purely by size. Now, it's much more about quality. The Netherlands and Belgium seem to be reasonably well supplied with large pears. On our site, pears sell for between €0.55 and €0.70."
"But it's particularly the degree of bronzing and roughening that determines those prices. That quality is very growing area-dependent. Some 
have nice full crops, but that's not the case everywhere. Also, the picking date having been pushed forward shows that it's not too bad everywhere. That could, however, change again next week," says Emanuel.
Since their forecasts are lower, expectations are high for Elstar apples, too. "The search for the good blocks has begun, and they aren't easy to come by either. Those growers want slightly more, although prices are already higher than last year."
"Off-tree, these apples sell for €0.60, and in the day trade, current prices are from €0.70 to €0.75 in the bin. There aren't too many available, but neither is it hard to get early Elstar," concludes Emanuel.
For more information:
Emanuel Sluis
Service2Fruit
15A De Ooyen
4191 PB, Geldermalsen, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 885 321 300
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.service2fruit.com
