For the new season, the Belgian pear situation looks good so far. During the recent Interpera, preliminary estimates were announced, which predict the second-lowest pear harvest at the European level in recent years, even decades. In Belgium, however, slightly more pears are expected. "They'll be larger, anyway, so more kilos are definitely expected. The overall mood is very positive," begins Louis De Cleene of the Devos Group.
"And that's fine. Things were often difficult in recent years, so when things look good, it's okay to show that. However, there are still several uncertainties regarding the harvest. It's all very region-specific, each with its own forecasts. That depends on the plots' height and how much water has been given."
"And how well the trees survived this and last year's dry weather. Still, the forecasts are generally good. Considering the low European predictions, the new season offers good prospects for Belgian pears. We're already getting plenty of inquiries from different markets for the coming season," says Louis.
That good mood actually spilt over from the current season, which can be described as good too. "The current market development is unprecedented. It's generally been a good year with correct prices, but now that most stocks are starting to empty or are already empty, those prices are shooting up. And, despite those high prices, demand remains undiminished. I could sell three times as many pears."
According to Louis, as the season approaches its end, demand increases. "We have the advantage of stocking up to the end, every year. We do that to keep serving our regular customers throughout the year. However, other clients often approach us in the final months whom we naturally want to serve. This year, though, it's impossible to supply pears to people other than our regular buyers," he says.
Hopefully, gradual breathing space for apples
Things may look positive for Belgian apples, but they remain uncertain for apples. "As the end of the season nears, prices are slightly better, but it's too little too late. Many apple trees were uprooted, so the market improved. I'm very curious to see how the coming weeks will go. Regardless, we're just trying to make the best of it."
"The new season could well provide some breathing room again. Many growers who uprooted their apple trees, didn't always replaced those with other top fruit trees. That could, thus, result in somewhat less volume in the new season, which could provide some much-needed relief. Also, though, there are plenty of Jonagolds hanging on the trees, there are some problems with scab. With apples, it's always anyone's guess as to how things develops. Fortunately, the apples, and pears, will probably enter a clean market," Louis explains.
Early Desire and Queens Forelle
What the specialist is hopeful about is the red pears, Early Desire and Queens Forelle, the Devos Group's star products. "We expect good harvests from both. Such varieties are always long-term projects, but for next season we expect really nice volumes. That's very good news."
"We see the taste panels received these very well, too. So, it's great that we can put our full effort into marketing these. In fact, we were discussing volume placement before they were picked. There's interest from all markets, so we can now really start promoting them. I have a fantastic feeling about this," Louis concludes.
For more information:
Louis De Cleene
Devos Group
66 Eugeen Cools Street
3460, Bekkevoort, BE
Tel: +32 (0) 167 79 758
Email: louis@devosgroup.com
Website: www.devosgroup.com