“We offer Conference pears from the Netherlands 12 months per year, as well as red Comice pears sold under the brand Sweet Sensation for the category I, and green Comice pears,” explains Guilhem Flammen, sales manager at Hoogsteder, based in the Netherlands. The company sells its pears mainly on the French and Italian market, but the largest export markets for Dutch pears remain England, Germany, France, Italy and Scandinavia.
Sweet Sensation pears of category I sold in bulk or trays
Better volumes than last year
The company began selling the Comice pears at the end of September and plans to offer it to its clients until stocks run out in February/March. “Whatever the variety, the volumes are better than in 2019/2020. We count +13% of volumes for the Conference pears and +15% for the Comice.” Besides these two varieties, Hoogsteder also offers the Alexandre Lucas pear and the Gieser variety, mostly for the catering industry.
Green Comice pears of category I. Also offered in category II, in bulk or trays
A generous season with large calibers
This year, Guilhem Flammen claims to be very satisfied with the quality and sugar levels of the fruit. “The calibers are also large enough for all our clients. All the conditions were met this year during production in the Netherlands for a good harvest in every respect.”
Conference pears, of category I and II, offered in bulk or trays
Conference pears in packaging
Slower trade than usual
Despite a promising pear harvest, trade seems to be slower than usual since the beginning of the season. “This is mainly due to the Covid-19 crisis and the consequences on some sectors, such as the restaurant industry. Besides, there are more volumes of pears available in France, which increases the competition, and the Belgians also export a lot on the French market, so they are our main competitor.”
“Our strength is that we have different packaging stations allowing us to meet the demand of our clients quickly. We produce on demand which helps us offer optimal quality to all our clients. Additionally, all types of packaging are available upon request.”
Red Comice pears of category II in bulk
For more information:
Guilhem Flammen
Hoogsteder BV
Phone: +31 10 266 18 05
[email protected]
www.thegreenery.com/fr
