Dutch pear market prices have been rising sharply since January. "At present, Conference pears are selling for historically high prices. The question is whether consumers will keep paying these prices or switch to alternatives like stone or soft fruit," says Mark Vernooij of Urfruit.
"Unfortunately, not everyone's profited from these high prices. At the start of the season, pears sold for a fraction of current prices. Some growers had to sell then, out of necessity or otherwise."
"For them, the price-level comparison is a bitter pill to swallow. Those low prices naturally resulted in many sales, but that no longer benefits most of those growers," Mark explains.
"Our sector must genuinely take a critical look at itself. That division is too great. Italy, for example, has many challenges cultivation-wise, but sales are much better organized."
"This year's pears have a major advantage: their excellent flavor. Apart from a few problem batches, they're still of good quality. We have correctly treated batches," continues Mark.
"We can, therefore, still provide customers with good pears well into the new harvest. As for the situation in the orchards, there are quite a few flowers, but the flowering weather's been moderate. Thus, the latest forecasts are that a late season is expected. Hopefully, the weather will be good in the coming months, so the upcoming season's pear crop can develop well."
"It's generally quite an exciting time on the pear market. It remains to be seen how the market will continue developing and if pears can maintain their position. The high prices may deter shoppers, but the pears' excellent flavor will hopefully win them over," Mark concludes.
For more information:
Mark Vernooij
Urfruit
45 Marketing
6921 RE, Duiven, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 575 472 473
Email: m.vernooij@urfruit.nl
Website: www.urfruit.nl