"The dry, hot weather caused real problems in the top fruit sector. The hot weather ensured that people, and their eating habits, kept to that summer feeling for a long time", says Tony Derwael, one of the owners of the Belgian company, Bel’Export.
"About half the harvest should have been sold in September, October, and November. This year's harvest was also 20% higher than expected. During top fruit's top months, we did not sell enough produce. This was due to the mild weather."
“The demand lagged and the pressure on the market increased. The was due to there being too much product. This, in turn, saw prices fall. The weather was mild during the flowering and cell dividing periods. The caused our apples to grow too big", he says.
"The pears, on the other hand, did not reach the correct size. This was due to the dry and, especially, the hot weather. Yet, even the large pears are not performing as expected. This means that there too, the supply is bigger than the demand."
December is always a bad month for most top fruit sales. This excludes the niche and exotic products. “It would be good if the cold weather we are currently experiencing lasts a while longer. Cold weather is the perfect time to sell top fruit", Derwael goes on to say.
“For next season, it is again a question of waiting to see what happens. Usually, after a heavy harvest like this year's, you get less production. The trees are, however, looking good again, and there are more than enough flower buds", he explains.
"The acreage for apples in Eastern Europe and that of pears here is also still increasing. However, every year remains a matter of conjecture. Maybe the weather will be a boon for us in the next season", concludes Derwael.
For more information:
Tony Derwael
Bel'Export
2 Neremstraat
3840 Borgloon - Belgium
Tel +32 12 440 551
belexport@belexport.com