High strawberry prices due to low supply

Strawberry prices have been quite high for some time due to the supply being much lower than is usual for the time of year. The Netherlands and Belgium currently have low production, and Egypt and Spain are not yet on the market. According to Raf van Rooy from Coöperatie Hoogstraten, the smaller volumes are due to the fact that cultivations have moved up because of the warm weather, and the plants that are actually in production are less spread out.

Fewer strawberries

“Currently, prices are around 5 euro for 500 grammes on average. In recent days, that was still 30 to 40 cents higher. That is quite high for the time of year.” This week (week 45), about 300 tonnes will be supplied. “In the same week last year, it was about 600 tonnes. Coincidentally, it was a very busy week then, but during ‘regular’ years, supply is usually around 500 tonnes.”

Prices will not just start decreasing. “Spanish product will not just arrive, and supply from Egypt is only expected to arrive in about ten days or so. Our volume will also not become very big anymore, so I think we will see high prices at auction next week as well.”

For more information:
Raf van Rooy
Coöperatie Hoogstraten
Loenhoutseweg 59
Hoogstraten - Belgium
Tel: +32 3 3400233
Fax: +32 3 3147844
www.hoogstraten.eu