As of next weekend, the strawberries from Coöperatie Hoogstraten will be available at all major Belgian retailers. And that means the strawberry season has started. “The available volumes are in line with recent years. This type of weather, sunny during the day and cold nights is very positive for the growth and flavour of the strawberry,” says Luc Bruneel of Coöperatie Hoogstraten.
“If we can start the season with strawberries that are good in flavour, you will notice that consumers continue to buy them. We are also very satisfied with the size of the strawberries. We often see large sizes at the beginning of the season. Many fruit shops distinguish themselves from the retailer by selling these strawberries. ”
“The demand for strawberries is slowly starting to rise. Strawberries are a real seasonal product for many people. When the weather is nice and they smell strawberries in the store, that question really starts to come. Soon we will start with various promotions in the supermarkets to bring the strawberry back to the attention of the consumer," Luc continues. “The strawberry prices are currently quite low. Due to the relatively low prices, various retailers are completely switching to Belgian strawberries. For that price there is no longer any reason to keep Spanish strawberries in the store, especially if you are going to compare the quality. ”
100% cardboard punnet
The Gold strawberries are also fully available again. “This year we will start with the new 100% cardboard punnet for the Gold strawberries. We have also developed a new cardboard punnet for the supermarkets, which will be available soon,” says Luc. “The sustainability story remains very important in these times too. In addition to the fact that the punnet is made of 100% cardboard, the appearance is also very attractive. This way we can proudly present the product that our 200 growers have worked so hard for all winter. ”
"Guaranteed supply of fresh fruit and vegetables"
“Despite the corona crisis, we are operating at full capacity. Our important task is to guarantee the supply of fruit and vegetables. We have taken all measures necessary to minimise the spread of the virus and we find that our customers respect these measures. In addition to strawberries, we are also an important supplier of greenhouse vegetables. All crops are currently ready to start. For the coming period, we must ensure that all these products reach customers in Belgium and elsewhere in Europe, in order to provide everyone with fresh products. Which are extra important right now,” concludes Luc.
For more information:
Luc Bruneel
Coöperatie Hoogstraten
Loenhoutseweg 59 (Kluis Z.1 - 1050)
2320 Hoogstraten, Belgium
+32 33 40 02 11
sales@hoogstraten.eu
www.hoogstraten.eu