The lower European pear harvest is creating high expectations among Dutch pear growers. "There are even rumors that forecasts in Belgium are being revised even more downward. But as much as is being rumored, the pears must still be sold. That's where, in the next while, we'll have to find the middle ground between grower and customer expectations," says Randy Dijksman of the Dutch company Combilo.
He says there is currently little trade being done. "We've loaded the last old pears and will start with the first new Belgian Conference pears next week. Many buyers are still on vacation, and the previous season isn't yet quite over. What the new season will look like should become clear in the coming while. But prices will start at a higher level than last year. And retailers understand that pears will be ten to 20 cents pricier, though there's no price doubling issue. Pears remain a commodity, with plenty of promotions."
"I think the biggest challenge is that the supply is entirely different from last year. There's much harvest forecast consideration, but the distribution size is also completely different. The pears are larger, and there will be more Class II. Last year, you could pack almost every batch of pears for a discount supermarket, but those batches vary considerably now. The greater quality differences mean price per batch will vary much more, too," explains Randy.
"I also find the large proportion of pears that will go to Eastern Europe a threat. If there's a kink in the cable there, we're further from home." As Lidl's service provider, Combilo focuses primarily on pear sales to Western European retailers. It is a smaller apple player. "That's simply because almost all the countries we supply grow their own apples, though we often fill shortages later in the season with Polish apples," Dijksman says.
"I expect Italy to take Comice pears in no time this season. There's also a lot of room for Lukassen pears. When expectations for the Conference pear are high, Lukassens often sell well." Randy keeps a close eye on club variety developments. "Whichever way you look at it, over the years, Conference has increasingly become a throwaway pear. Among our clients, there's noticeably greater interest in novelties like red pears. For example, Sweet Sensation and Qtee pear repeat purchases are particularly high," he concludes.
For more information:
Randy Dijksman
Combilo b.v.
23 Transportweg
2742 RH, Waddinxveen, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 180 446 747
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.combilo.nl
