"We can be cautiously optimistic halfway through the sales season. Despite the significant cost increases across the board - in production, sales, and logistics - we've collectively managed to achieve a good return on top fruit so far," begins Randy Dijksman of the Dutch company Combilo.
"Looking at pears, BA Lucas prices are historically high, with many early sales. Despite the better price formation, I think that variety's clearance is even ahead of other years. Most of our retailers will stop with those pears next week, and we'll close the last programs by mid-February. That's a few weeks earlier than usual."
"There have, so far, been no major quality issues. There's some slight browning in almost every batch, especially in the larger sizes. Fortunately, that's not hindered the swift sales process. Doyenné du Comice sales also went very smoothly. Shortages in Italy mean we're getting good prices, and there's a customer for every quality," says Randy.
Not all pears good for every channel
"As expected, Conference pears' yields differ considerably. That has everything to do with varying qualities harvested. Sadly, in many places, pear psylla caused damage and literally left its mark. The degree of bronzing and roughness is also very diverse."
"That means not all those pears are suitable for every channel. BelOrta took over auction management in Belgium this year. I think that's worked well so far. The somewhat dosed supply, along with still good purchasing power, is making for good prices," Randy explains.
"There's a clear difference in quality here, too. Up to ten different qualities are presented during each auction round. I'm disappointed that the pears are still offered in 12kg crates. We can get away with it this season."
"That's due to shortages in Southern Europe, which I believe is driving the price formation. Each size and quality easily finds a buyer. Still, I'd prefer to see more pre-sale activity. We sell less than 10% of all our pears in 12kg crates," Randy points out.
"With Conference, (major) storage problems have so far been absent. Nevertheless, speculative behavior is considerably delaying the decision to actually market the pears. Unexpected problems like tough necks are, thus, now emerging. There's also slightly more average post-sorting waste than last season. Luckily, the turnover rate is relatively high everywhere, which, I think, remains necessary."
Combilo mainly focuses on commercial sales to Western European retailers, specifically discount supermarkets. "This season's prices and larger pear sizes changed consumer buying behavior. Before, there was a clear preference for the 10x1kg discount over the 7kg premium packs; this season, there's a shift towards premium. People must pay (a lot) more for the product and, so, automatically expect more. The days of stores offering 10x1kg pears for €0.99/kg seem far behind us for now," says Dijksman.
Re-exporting Polish apples
"We're not such a strong apple player. However, I see and hear that, for instance, Elstar and Jonagold prices are far more satisfactory, too, and their sales are going smoothly. The local retail sector plays a major role in that. We primarily focus on re-exporting Polish apples. This season, they're significantly pricier than in previous years."
"Still, quality remains a challenge in Poland due to a long flowering period and a warm harvest time. There are, for example, major differences in hardness within the same batch. Here, too, it's vital to monitor the sales pace and keep an eye on continuity," Randy continues.
"We remain optimistic about the coming months. This season can hardly go wrong on many fronts. There's a shortage of good quality fruit throughout Europe, so there will be room for sales. Fruit arriving from the Southern Hemisphere won't be able to fill those gaps quickly. That doesn't concern us, either."
"It seems, given the total stock still available, we'll make it to the new season. We make clear, timely arrangements about that in consultation with our customers," says the trader. "As things stand, I doubt there'll be an extreme price peak at the end of the season. Many positions have already been taken, and prices are very acceptable."
100th anniversary
"We'll be at the Fruitteelt Vakbeurs in Houten, the Netherlands, next week. Plus, Combilo is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. We won't let this go unnoticed at Fruit Logistica in Berlin," Randy concludes.
For more information:
Randy Dijksman
Combilo b.v.
23 Transportweg
2742 RH, Waddinxveen, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 180 446 747
r.dijksman@combilo.nl
www.combilo.nl