Conference pear sales are going great. "We've sold a lot of pears in recent weeks," says Louis De Cleene of the Devos Group in Belgium. "Price-wise, we've experienced unpredictable and, we think, unnecessary rises and falls. The continuing uncertainty due to the global pandemic remains a determining factor. But compared to last year, we've already sold 20% more pears."
The Devos Group focuses on sales to mainly the Belgian, French, and German markets. They sell mostly to retailers but also wholesalers. "Scandinavia is also participating well. Though, in terms of volume, it's not a major customer for our company. Demand from Spain is lagging for now. The fixed lines continue to run well there but daily trade towards Spain is limited."
"Top fruit sales are usually somewhat quieter during the Sinterklaas week. I'm optimistic about the rest of the pear season. Yields are lower than last year, and there's a high packout. We, however, knew that before the season started. We monitor quality well; that's where our specialty lies. So we don't foresee any problems in offering Conference pears to our customers year-round again," says Louis.
"Good pears are scarce and, thus, pricy. The different grades are going for €0.75 to €0.85 at auction. Class II continues to compete well, too. Doyenne du Comice pears' sales and pricing are also going well. We supply our clients with these until March. The red Early Desire pears continue to do well as well. But there's a shortage of these every year."
"The apple market is well full this year. I'd have thought it would've been even more difficult. Our club variety Primo is selling easily via the fixed lines, as usual. Also, we're expecting a lot from the new RubisGold apple. We have the exclusivity for this variety in the Benelux. The reactions are promising, and we hope to start a new trend with this apple," Louis concludes.
For more information:
Louis De Cleene
Devos Group
66 Eugeen Cools Street
3460, Bekkevoort, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 167 79 758
Email: louis@devosgroup.com
Website: www.devosgroup.com