Yesterday, BelOrta sold the first Loch Ness blackberries of 2022. Belgian growers, Simon De Koning (Kwekerij De Koning) and Willy Royakkers supplied these. Today, the cooperative will auction the first Sweet Royalla® blackberries, supplied by Jan and Gijs Royakkers (Royakkers Fruits). These first sales mark the start of the soft fruit season.
In 2021, BelOrta sold more than 1.3 million kg of blackberries. Then, Loch Ness was the most cultivated variety; now, there are as many of those as Sweet Royalla®. This year, BelOrta growers have more than 30 hectares of blackberries, all grown undercover. The Sweet Royalla® was first commercialized two years ago and is a nice addition to the cooperative's blackberry assortment.
Recent GFK Belgium figures show that in that country, blackberries are mostly eaten in Flanders and Brussels. Also, older people consume noticeably fewer of these soft fruits.
Soft fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. All berries fit perfectly in a low-calorie diet, are rich in antioxidants, and are simply delicious. Blackberries are great to use in smoothies, crumbles, and muffins. They add that something special to breakfast.
You can eat these berries with muesli, as is, or with yogurt or cheese. BelOrta's growers harvest this delicate fruit with the greatest care. Locally grown blackberries are supplied through the holidays and are expected to peak from May to September.
For more information:
BelOrta
120 Mechelsesteenweg
2860, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 155 51 111
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.belorta.be
