The new Belgian grape season is about to begin. The dismal spring and cold first weeks of August mean it is slightly later than in other years. But harvesting starts on Monday at one of the few remaining Belgian growers, Ronald Vanderkelen. "There's always massive demand, but more and more growers, sadly, stop every year," he says.
The grapes' quality looks good again, though, according to Ronald, you can only definitely comment on that just before you begin picking. Also, demand keeps increasing annually. "That doesn't worry me at all; demand's great. My grapes are slightly more expensive than the imported product, but people still come from all over Belgium for them." Ronald's grapes are available from about mid-August to late September. "It used to take a few months, but due to the tremendous interest, the volumes are gone after about six weeks," he says.
High energy costs remain the Flemish grape grower's main challenge. "Heating costs are still far too high. Fossil fuel is very expensive, which is a problem for heated crops. I use Ukrainian coal to heat half of my company. That costs three or even four times as much as normal. That applies to fuel oil too. It's dropped a bit but is still much too pricey to really earn anything.”
"I understand the experts say this could decrease next year sometime. Nobody can genuinely predict that, though. Sales are going great, and prices are good, but you barely earn anything because fuel takes up your whole budget. Your profit goes to heating," explains Vanderkelen.
That is why, says the grower, many grape farmers throw in the towel. "You can count the number of Belgian grape growers on two hands. Next year that will probably go down to one. A few weeks ago, I spoke to a grower who, six months ago, said he'd go on for years. Now, he says he wants to stop. You can work with these prices for two or three years."
"However, if it continues, I don't know if I can keep it up. I'll do everything possible, but you can't pass on the increases either. It's hard to ask for €22 per kilo. People won't pay that. It's a wonderful profession, and I'm looking forward to a great season again, but there are always uncertainties hanging over your head," concludes Ronald.
For more information:
Ronald Vanderkelen
Druiven Ronald Vanderkelen
62 Groeneweg
3090, Overijse, BE
Tel: +32 (0) 471 844 596
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.druivenronaldvanderkelen.be
