“Strawberry supplies are a little slower at the moment. Production was delayed in October because of the overcast weather. So, we had decent quantities in November. We started planting a little later too. That also added to the large November volumes," says Marcel Biemans 0f Coöperatie Hoogstraten in Belgium.
“There's currently excellent demand and good prices. A kg of nice sizes is going for around €8. Its usually more challenging at the beginning of December, then imports from Egypt and Spain get going. However, these haven't quite let loose yet. The UK is demanding somewhat less. But, the market is well-balanced. We're also optimistic about the strawberries' quality. The sunny days were beneficial. We haven't had any major issues this year either."
Marcel thinks strawberry supplies will slowly decline from now on. "We're expecting fewer strawberries in the second half of December. However, then lit cultivation gets started again. This type of farming has grown in size again this winter. We'll have slightly more product available in January and February. Demand for strawberries from lit cultivation is on the rise too. That's despite it being a niche product. It's, therefore, important to gradually expand this crop," concludes Marcel.
For more information:
Marcel Biemans
Coöperatie Hoogstraten
59 Loenhoutseweg
Hoogstraten, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 334 00 233
Email: marcel.biemans@hoogstraten.eu
Website: www.hoogstraten.eu