Dutch blueberry prices are currently on the rise again. This, after a dip in July. Hay Geurts of the Blauwe Bessen Platform says, "In the summer months, we have the most competition from Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Spain. These countries joined the EU years ago."
"They have since received many subsidies to plant soft fruit, including blueberries. This assistance caused unfair competition. Their bushes are now in full production. We have the most trouble with Poland. However, we have noticed a positive development there. More Polish people are starting to eat blueberries. Hopefully, this will happen in the Netherlands too."
"It is crazy. A lot of Dutch supermarkets get their blueberries from countries like Poland and Portugal at the moment. This, while the Dutch season is still ongoing. This practice, of course, has to do with the price. But, it also has to do with certain supermarkets and packaging companies. They have agreements with other countries. You simply do not interfere with these," says Hay.
"It is a shame. Supermarkets and consumers should be more proud of local products. In fact, the retail sector should only put imported products on the shelves when the Dutch blueberry stocks are depleted. That, of course, already happens in the winter. It should be the case in the summer too. The CO2 emissions that can be saved doing this are also huge."
Hay is not yet completely satisfied with the prices. "They were good in the beginning. They dropped in the middle of the season. Now, in the end, they are, fortunately, recovering. Prices may be high. You can see we are being played up against each other. Supermarkets earn €12/€13 per kg. This, while the grower mostly only gets €4 to €5."
Retailers also have a lot of influence on packaging. More and more plastic packaging is being boycotted. Growers, therefore, opt for more sustainable alternatives.
"So, sealed packaging is now a trend in the Netherlands. It is better for the environment. It benefits the berries shelf life too. However, overseas companies are, unfortunately, still making full use of hard plastic containers. These are used to transport the blueberries," Hay concludes.
For more information:
Hay Geurts
Blauwe Bessen Platform
Tel: +31 (0) 774 64 21 60
