Summer has arrived in Belgium. Temperatures are soaring, and the days are getting sunnier—the perfect time for strawberries. And according to Guy De Meyer of Demargro, it shows because summer strawberry sales are going very well. "Prices are high, but still, there are currently many local promotions. Countries like Spain, Germany, and France are also on the market a lot," he begins.
"Prices have actually been quite high the whole season. That's mainly due to this year's limited supply. In other years, there were times with very high supply, so prices reached roughly a euro around May/June. We haven't achieved that level this year yet, because the supply's been much more spread out. That means, these days, average prices are still around €2/500g. Those are great producer and trade prices."
One reason for that is the demand for Belgian strawberries from all sides. "The several local promos keep prices stably high. Plus, almost all countries are asking, with some already going to Spain. Germany and France, too, are also well in the market. When, as now, there's less available at auction, prices shoot up. That applies to all calibers. The smaller sizes are usually much cheaper, but even those are relatively expensive. That shows there's presently a true shortage," says Guy.
Though, he adds, it is a matter of good quality control. "There are, naturally, many different varieties, but generally, the quality looks excellent at the moment. However, the nights are getting somewhat warmer, so we must watch that closely. When daytime temperatures top 30°C and don't cool down, keeping strawberries fresh is challenging. We'll have to monitor that well to always keep offering the best quality."
Expensive red fruit
Raspberry and red currants sales are also good at the Belgian exporter. "We have nice raspberry volumes, but prices are relatively high there too. It's the same for all red fruit, which is selling very well, regardless," Guy explains.
"We hope to get Belgian cherries within three to four weeks. Those are slightly later than other years, but it's always wonderful once we can get started with them. If the weather plays along, it seems we'll gradually get there."
Cheap cucumbers
When it comes to greenhouse vegetables, Guy particularly notes the very cheap cucumbers. "Tomatoes are doing well again. Last week those prices briefly dipped to around €0.40," he says, "but that's now back at €0.65 for good-quality tomatoes. Bell peppers are very expensive. Their prices have been good all season."
"But cucumbers have a completely different story. After a successful last season, far too much was planted. So, there's much more supply than in other years, and the cucumbers are very cheap. Of course, with such an oversupply, prices are obviously under pressure, and that's not changing any time soon," concludes Guy.
For more information:
Guy De Meyer
Demargro
11 Tombrug Street
8850, Ardooie, Belgium
Tel.: +32 (0) 517 47 075
Email: guy.de.meyer@demargro.be
www.demargro.be