According to Gerard Pronk of Fruitbedrijf Pronk from Zwaagdijk, the current pear season is going to be quite difficult. “Prices are simply too low structurally. As a result, I notice around me that there is very little sorting. We have to wait for better times.”
Whether those better times are coming is still the question. Gerard continues: “The stock figures are relatively much higher than last year. There is still a lot to be done to create some space on the market. But of course I hope it gets better soon. Not only for myself, but also for the colleagues around me.”
The quality, on the other hand, is fine at the moment. “At the moment we don't see anything bad. Here in North Holland the pears are of good size. We also see relatively little rot. So that is still going well,” says Gerard.
Import
According to Gerard, the upcoming import will not cause extra competition on the market. “The import of pears is already limited. The fact that the prices here in the Netherlands and Belgium are not great, ensures, I think, that free trade sends few pears in this direction. They will not take the risk, only when there is a demand from the customer.”
Assortment shrinking
“As the season progresses, the Dutch range becomes smaller. Comice is ready. There are plenty Lucas, but the market is abroad and is going nowhere. In time, only the Conference will be available in the Netherlands. The range is becoming a lot simpler.”
For more information:
Gerard Pronk
Fruitbedrijf Pronk
Zwaagdijk 328
1686 PG Zwaagdijk
gw.pronk@fruitbedrijfpronk.nl
www.fruitbedrijfpronk.nl