“Stone fruit sales are still going well, so far,” says Jack Bezemer van Zoutewelle, at the beginning of June. This Dutch company imports and exports fruit and vegetables. At that time, peach and nectarine prices, in particular, were high. They ranged between €1.00 and €1.80 and €1.70 to more than €2.00 per kg, respectively. Jack notes that everything’s pointing to a good stone fruit market.
“There’s not much supply, and we’re having the best weather imaginable.” He’s, however, expecting more volumes to arrive. The early June prices will, therefore, not last. Certainly not when the large retail chains begin their summer fruit promotions. They do these to attract more people to the supermarket. “Goods will keep being sold, but at the prices’ expense,” Jack says. He notices that every year, it gets tougher to sell peaches on the Dutch stone fruit market.
“Consumers prefer nectarines and Saturn peaches.” He’s also noticed there are fewer early plum varieties on the market. “There have been various early plum varieties in the last 20 years. Many of these trees have now been grubbed. The fruit doesn’t taste good, so it’s not profitable enough. The trees are, therefore, uprooted.” He’s discovered that flavor plays an ever-important role with consumers. “People like to eat tasty food.”
Jack indicates that the market’s normalizing again, after the coronavirus impact. “It’s hardly noticeable anymore.” Transport from Southern Europe seemed to be more difficult, and costlier, at the start of the crisis. “It used to always be possible to get a load from Southern Europe within two days. That doesn’t happen very often anymore. But, the problem’s being solved,” concludes Jack.
More information
Jack Bezemer
Jack.bezemer@zoutewelle.com
Zoutewelle
Handelsweg 140
2988 DC Ridderkerk
T: +31 (0)180 642300
www.zoutewelle.com