Dutch top fruit harvesting is progressing well. "The farmers have finished picking Conference pears. But, they're still harvesting the Lukassen, Doyenné du Comice, and Gieser Wildeman varieties," says FruitMasters' Zweer van Aalsburg. "Most growers are busy with the second round of Elstar picking. Others are rounding their harvesting off. These are often on the plots where there were few fruits on the trees. So, it's going fast. Jonagold, Red Prince, Kanzi, and the late varieties will follow."
According to this Product Group manager, some growers are currently irrigating their orchards. That's to prevent sun damage from the scorching weather. It's unusual for this time of year. "Pear yields are in line with the forecast announced at Prognosfruit. It's too early to say how many apples there will be."
"Demand is good, but it's been so for months. The market was empty, and the import apples were sold out. So, everyone in Europe switched to local production. The summer varieties of Triomphe de Vienne pears are sold out. We are also down to the last Delbare apples."
"Prospects look good. But we first have to get the harvest in; then we'll get more clarity. I think Dutch sales will continue to go well. There are fewer apples. That will certainly be reflected in higher prices than last year," concludes Zweer.
For more information:
Zweer van Aalsburg
FruitMasters
7 Deilseweg
PO Box 222
4190 CE, Geldermalsen, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 345 578 808
Email: Z.vanAalsburg@fruitmasters.nl
Website: www.fruitmasters.com