There seemed to be no end to the European apple market's woes. However, the season's end is becoming an unexpected bright spot. "We've been more optimistic these last few weeks. Demand is picking up, and prices, too, have risen slightly. They're not yet optimal, but it's vital that we keep clearing stock," says Laurent De Smedt, the Belgian cooperative BelOrta's top fruit division head.
That does not mean it's all hunky dory with Belgian apples. "Given the lower volumes, prices should actually be better. Why is this? Consumption is good this year. Belgian retail has done a lot of promos, which has brought good attention to the fruit. If I were to guess, it's because the Galas and Elstars are being sold earlier due to the hot summer and its associated lower quality. The market is, thus, under more pressure than usual."
"Still, there's enough room to sell this season's apples. We'll probably have a later season than last year, which means the new crop will also come to market later," Laurent explains. "It's too early to speculate about this with certainty. Despite all the challenges, we're, nonetheless, optimistic about the season's remaining months."
The pear situation has been quite good all season. "Where apples have to fight for their spot, pears continue to run well. They're selling very well all over Europe in countries like Germany, England, Spain, and France. Demand has resulted in nice prices, which have increased sharply recently. It remains to be seen what the first arrivals from the Southern Hemisphere, like Williams, do on the market. However, stocks have fallen so much we don't expect this to cause any problems," concludes Laurent.
For more information:
Laurent De Smedt
BelOrta
120 Mechelsesteenweg
2860, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, BE
Tel +32 (0) 126 70 260
Email: laurent.desmedt@belorta.be
Website: www.belorta.be