"The world and season looks much rosier for Belgian top fruit growers this year. The sizes and quality are good, as are prices for this time of year," begins Xavier Laduron, a grower who is responsible for Fairebel's fruit sector committee. "It's important to keep it that way so we can cover costs and maybe even earn a little. Then we can all look to the future."
"We usually dare achieve the current prices in March, but we're getting them in November already," Xavier continues. For apples, he sees the lesser harvest in Poland as the main reason. "Many trees have been uprooted, but I doubt the trees in the Netherlands and Belgium greatly impact Europe's total volume. Poland usually produces the most apples but has lower volumes coming to market, which decreases the pressure. That's good for us."
The grower, who primarily cultivates Conference pears and Jonagold apples - but has several hectares of other varieties, too - is also optimistic about the pear season. "The pear price formation is good, too," says Xavier. Does he consider an increased Polish pear production a threat? "Not so far. I'm not too concerned about that, mostly because of Italy's present woes."
"It's very unfortunate for them, but statistically, it's becoming increasingly likely that they'll have crop problems. As long as that's the case, I don't see volumes coming from Poland as a danger. This year, for the first time, Belgium was Europe's largest pear producer. Italy normally does twice as much, but given their issues, we can fill the gap nicely," says Laduron.
Sorting pause during the festive season
He does not see much changing during the rest of the season, either. "The supply slowly begins to decline during the holidays. Sorting stops because migrant workers go home. That means slightly less volume on the market. People usually eat less top fruit during the festive season anyway. That keeps the market in check. It should stay that way at least until Fruit Logistica when everyone sees what everyone else's stock levels are."
"I expect these prices to remain as is for the rest of the season. I see no reason for change. The Poles and Italians aren't suddenly going to harvest again, so as things stand, nothing should cause a market shift. But, these days, you never know. It's thus vital to ensure prices stay as they are. Preferably for the next 20 years, so that we, too, can earn something and invest in the future. We're heading in the right direction this season; now we must make sure it stays that way," Xavier concludes.
For more information:
Xavier Laduron
Fairebel
Tel: +32 (0) 804 47 726
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.fairebel.be