The new organic Belgian top fruit sector has started, too. Expectations are exceptionally high in conventional, and the organic market should also have a better season than last year. "When conventional fruit does well, there's always more demand for organic too. That follows each other. We'll have to wait and see, but it seems it will be a positive season," begins organic grower Gerard Kenens of VerKen Bio Deli-Vers.
"We're busy picking Santana and have been marketing the first QTees for a week now. It's actually looking pretty good. Better than last year. We had some trouble with pear gall midges in the QTee®, so volumes are slightly lower. However, their sizes are considerably better, so the kilograms will be there."
The grower says sales have started well. "People are becoming increasingly familiar with QTees, and we've gained several large customers," Gerard explains. The company markets its fruit through the BFV, which will soon integrate with BelOrta.
"That will surely provide a larger customer base. Also, a big grower switched, so QTee acreage has roughly doubled in tonnage. Add to that that Italy's organic share will be less this year, and things look good. Of course, it remains to be seen, but we certainly see export opportunities."
Will that good sentiment follow with Conference pears? "I suspect so. We still have to get started with these, but there are already many inquiries. The bad spring weather seems to have brought their quality down a little. That's caused some problems, but we're dependent on the weather. Their sizes, though, are good. Things can change quickly these days, but we're looking forward to this season," says Gerard.
Positive mood on organic apple market
This positive mood even carries over to the new organic apple season. "The apple season isn't over yet, but the summer Sissireds appear to be selling well. There are also fewer apples available overseas in, for example, Poland, where it's been freezing. The mood has improved. But it can't be much worse than last year."
"Then, the organic season lasted particularly long. It was hard to sell all the stock. They were all gone by mid-July, though we had to sell the last ones at rock-bottom prices. Some went to the industry, too. The new crop is, however, entering an empty market. Jonagold has slightly poorer quality, thanks to scab issues. That was a problem for conventional Jonagolds, too. It has poor resistance, which is also why we're gradually replacing it with more resistant varieties," Gerard concludes.
For more information:
Gerard Kenens
VerKen Bio Deli-Vers
74 Zilveren-Helmen Street
3545, Loksbergen, NL
Tel: +32 (0) 474 199 809
