Belgium: “Egyptian strawberries pricey till at least the end of the year”

The Egyptian strawberry season has started again. “Slightly earlier than last year, and expectations are very positive. First of all, there is no competition. There is some supply from Jordan and Morocco, but this is minimal. Besides, production in Belgium and the Netherlands is low at the moment. This means a good start for Egypt,” says Alain Tulpin from Tulpin Group. Tulpin Group has taken care of air freight of especially Egyptian strawberries to the UK for years already.

Tulpin indicates prices are high. “I expect prices will remain high until at least the end of the year, because of supply and the expected market situation with fewer competitors. Belgium and the Netherlands have so little production, they will probably not export much anymore; they would rather supply their permanent domestic customers. Besides, Spain is expected later.” He thinks prices in Belgian supermarkets are very high. “Only certain consumers will buy strawberries this expensive. Mostly seniors, I think.”

The logistical service provider expects volumes will increase. “Last year was a bad season for Egyptian strawberries, so we will have a better season, in any case. Furthermore, I expect nothing special to happen. It is remarkable that British retailers are becoming stricter in their strain choices. For example, they want Egypt to stop supplying a certain strain because the colour would be too dark. The difference in colour with the first Spanish strawberries is too large. We therefore often have to change our varieties.”

For more information:
Alain Tulpin
Tulpin Group
tulpingroup@skynet.be
www.tulpingroup.eu
Tel: +32 59 80 66 33