“The Belgian apple and pear picking season is finally over," says Yves Wolfcarius of Wolfcarius Fruit in Belgium. “Farmers picked apples for a really long time this year. For pears and Boskoop apples, it was not too bad."
"But, we had to wait long for the other apple varieties to color. This meant it took very long to pick Jonagold apples. It is, however, now all done. We can finally look back on the production period with satisfaction."
Yves Wolfcarius and his brother, Stephan
“There is currently a very high demand for apples. We expect a lot of demand for Boskoops soon. Volumes of these apples are shrinking fast throughout Belgium. This year's Boskoop season will be very short."
"The demand for Conference pears was a little challenging at the beginning of the season. But, now there is good demand, and we are starting to sell well. Prices are still a bit disappointing."
"However, I hope prices will continue to rise. That is, if we look at production, quality, and the low European pear volumes. If this does not succeed this year, the sector's future does not look good at all," says Wolfcarius.
Conference volumes were estimated to be lower this year. Wolfcarius, however, picked about the same amount as last year. "This year's crop has a slightly rougher exterior than last year's. But their quality is much, much better," says Yves.
“Our Boskoop apples were affected quite badly by the hot weather. We lost a third of our production. In contrast, the Jonagolds suffered very little sun damage."
Magic Star
“This year we, and two colleagues, had a good crop of Magic Star apples for the first time. We are very pleased with their quality. We are looking forward to the sales season. Although we had limited production last season, sales went well. The consumers' reactions were also very positive."
"I think Magic Star apples will be available in stores for considerably longer this year. According to reports, this apple variety will be Colruyt, Oké, and Spar shelves. This will be from the beginning of December," concludes Yves.
For more information:
Yves Wolfcarius
Wolfcarius Fruit
7 Bulmolenweg
8720 Markegem, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 516 340 91
Mob: +32 (0) 476 387 604
Email: info@wolfcariusfruit.be
Website: www.wolfcariusfruit.be