The overseas top fruit season is in full swing at BioTropic. The Corona crisis is not yet having major consequences on the situation for the organic importer from Bleiswijk. "Only the supply from the producing countries has been a temporary limiting factor, but it has not been quiet. The demand is good," says sales manager Dick Troost.
The first Argentinian Williams pears arrived at Bio Tropic at the end of February. The company is currently selling later varieties such as Packham, Abate Fetel and D'Anjou. "Prices for Anjou and Packham are at a good level and slightly higher for Abate Fetel pears. Sales are running smoothly. I expect that we will be fairly empty in about four weeks," says Dick. "All in all, sales are a lot better than last year, which was also a pretty dramatic season."
The first Argentinian Gala apples also arrived in mid-April. "Sales started somewhat reluctantly, partially due to the presence of European apples, but demand has been increasing since about four weeks now that Europe is as good as empty. Prices for the Galas are already good, especially compared to last year, prices for Braeburn and Crisp Pink are even above that," says Dick. He expects the season for overseas apples to continue through August. "In addition, there is now a bit more emphasis on the New Zealand organic apples. Initially with Gala and Braeburn and later also with Crisp Pink."
An increasing trend that has been going on for years, according to the importer, is that retailers and wholesalers in most countries will continue with local product as long as they can. "Some supermarkets are even boycotting overseas organic fruit and, in the absence of local products, choose not to carry a certain product on the shelves. Add to this the fact that in many European countries there is an increase in the area of organic apples and pears, which means that the window for overseas suppliers becomes smaller. "
"On the other hand, demand for organic apples and pears continues to grow and we must remember that climatic conditions are changing significantly, which will have a greater impact on all producing countries and therefore on trade. So in the long run, we will always need it. It certainly won't be boring! "
For more information:
Dick Comforts
BioTropic
dtt@biotropic.com
www.biotropic.com