Blueberries sales are difficult in the Netherlands at the moment. "In the sense of there being huge volumes, with sales not yet in balance," says Piet Meerkerk of the Dutch company, AngusSoft Fruits Europe. "There are a lot of blueberries available, mostly from Chile and Peru."
"Prices are low. They have been since the festive season, actually. The berries' quality also differs considerably. The first Moroccan blueberries have now been picked. In contrast, red currants are selling well. Sales are steady, and the supply and demand are balanced."
The biggest current demand in the soft fruit range is for raspberries. "Not much was harvested in Spain. Farmers there are mostly pruning their bushes. This means everything must come from Morocco. That is, apart from small volumes of Portuguese raspberries. Prices are at a relatively high level. That will also not change in the coming weeks," Piet reckons.
The blackberry assortment is made up of Mexican fruit. That is besides a small volume of Dutch lit-cultivated blackberries. "There is enough, but their quality is also varied. A box of Dutch blackberries might sell for €26 - €28. The Mexican variety, however, does not reach more than €16."
Last but not least, the strawberry market is a little chaotic at the moment. That is according to Piet. "The weather in Egypt was terrible. Many of the strawberries arriving from there, were turned down. That leaves supplies from Spain and Morocco. Sales are, however, very calm. A lot of strawberries are being sold. But, that is being done in small amounts at a time," concludes Piet.
For more information:
Piet Meerkerk
Angus soft fruits Europe
150 Handelsweg
2988 DC Ridderkerk, NL
Tel: + 31 (0) 180 760 409
Email: piet.meerkerk@angussoftfruits.com
Website: www.angussoftfruits.com