In Belgium, the last few weeks' bad weather has been affecting typical summer fruit sales. Van Dijk Foods has been receiving melons from France for the past month, but sales are lagging. "The quality's good, and we get enough in, but no one craves melons in such weather," says Kristof Maes.
"The weather is currently our biggest competitor. We've been getting good quality Charentais from France for over a month. That country's weather issues have had little impact on the fruit we receive. We have a good supply of all calibers. We've had better years but also much worse. However, it seems to be fall, and then people prefer other types of fruit."
"Sales are entirely weather-dependant. That's true for melons, but the entire spectrum is dead quiet now. I think it's a combination of the weather and the vacation season. A lot of people are away," explains Kristof.
This Belgian importer will continue with melons for at least several more weeks. "Price-wise, they're still quite profitable. It might pick up in the coming weeks."
"Who knows? If the temperatures rise, everything could start spiraling upwards in no time. In any case, they're certainly tasty," Kristof concludes.
For more information:
Kristof Maes
Van Dijk Foods
50 Kempenare Street
2860, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, BE
Tel: +32 (0) 155 56 561
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.vandijkfoods.be
