Belgian grape cultivation has a long history. Though in 2023, the number of growers can be counted on two hands, this tradition will never disappear. Philip Dewit of Dewit Druiven is sure of that. For many, succession is not assured, which is why Flemish growers are increasingly quitting, but at Dewit, the next generation is already eager to take over. "It's not a passing fad either. My son Koen has been helping out for several years and is ready to get going. It's nice that it can stay in the family," begins Philip.
The season began about a month ago at the farm. Every year, consumers throughout Flanders eagerly await these grapes. "We started in mid-July, a little later than other years. We usually begin heating in early January and then start six months later. However, the bad spring delayed us by just under two weeks, but a month into the season, the grapes look top-notch, quality-wise."
And this new season is going well, says the grower. Philip and his son sell mainly to homes or fresh markets. "The demand is at least as good as the supply. We may be a little more expensive, but if you maintain the quality, people will keep buying. Then they forget about the price. That's never really the problem," he says.
"We've created a luxury product of sorts. Because so many growers have dropped out, supply's quite limited, but demand remains undiminished. That affords us nice prices. That's even slightly higher than last year. Yet, people keep coming." The season at Dewit Druiven runs until about late October.
Sales, heating, and people
Philip considers energy prices the biggest hurdle. It is why many no longer like cultivating grapes. But he and Koen do not let that get them down. "Before the pandemic, we switched to gas to start clean after it was over. Then the energy price problems arose, actually for all types of energy, which caused issues for the whole sector," he explains.
"It's an ever-present threat you cannot possibly pass on to your customers. Grapes are already a relatively expensive product, and when you start making it even more expensive, people will leave. So I always tell my son, 'You have to find a price you can survive on, but that clients will return for.' That's the most important thing."
The experienced grower expects this will remain an issue for some time. "That changes every year. We work with sales, heating, and people," he states. "Sales are currently great. Workers were a problem during the pandemic when it was challenging to get seasonal harvesters. That's since been somewhat resolved."
"Now, it's heating. We can't do anything about it except hope it stays somewhat affordable. These three things are interchangeable. One year one's more of an issue; the next, it's the other. For now, we'll have to make do with the current energy prices. There's no other way," Philip concludes.
For more information:
Philip Dewit
Druiven Dewit
262 Brusselsesteenweg
3090, Overijse, NL
Tel: +32 (0) 478 542 455
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.druivendewit.be
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DruivenDewitOverijse
