After relocating from Westland to Ridderkerk, Berryland now operates from the premises of R&M Forwarding. The company, founded two years ago by Rob Pakvis and Theo Benjert, continues to grow in a controlled manner. "We don't want to be swept along by market trends but prefer to expand step by step," says Pakvis.
"Soft fruit availability remains a challenge, especially during the winter months. Raspberries are currently scarce, and this situation will persist until the end of March or early April," Rob explains. "Mexico exports very little to Europe because U.S. demand is already too high, while Spain also struggles with low yields due to cold weather and rain. This has resulted in extremely high prices on the daily market."
Cultivation project in Tanzania
Berryland is addressing this issue with a cultivation project in Tanzania. "From September to June, we source raspberries from Tanzania. Currently, supply is still limited, but production will increase in the coming years," Rob expects. "Air freight is not a major hurdle, though availability is slightly tighter in February due to the high demand for roses ahead of Valentine's Day and International Women's Day in Russia."
Blueberry supply also remains tight. "The Chilean season is nearly over, with the last shipments on their way. I'm surprised at how many Chilean berries are still being imported. These berries are often soft and age quickly, partly because Chile continues to grow many older varieties," says Rob.
"Meanwhile, the Peruvian season ended earlier than expected, partly due to El Niño. We anticipate increased production next season as many new plantings are now reaching full maturity. We will still receive Peruvian berries until March, mainly from the southern regions," Rob adds. "Cold weather and rain have delayed production in Morocco. The major supply should have arrived already, but it is now expected in the first half of March. This has significantly driven up prices. In Turkey, there is some production, but most berries are sold locally or to Russia at high prices."
Strawberry market recovers
"In addition to raspberries and blueberries, the strawberry market has also faced shortages. Spain has reduced its soft fruit acreage in recent years due to water shortages, and unfavorable weather has compounded the issue. As a result, prices were high in recent weeks, but we are now seeing a decline. Spanish strawberries, which were still fetching high prices last week, are now dropping daily. Morocco is also bringing larger volumes to the market."
Rob observes that the soft fruit market has changed significantly in recent years. "For years, supermarkets attempted to eliminate middlemen, but now we see the opposite trend emerging. As an old teacher once told me: 'Rob, in this business, no two days are the same.' He was right, and that's exactly what makes our trade so exciting!"
For more information:
Rob Pakvis
Berryland
Peterselieweg 110/112
2988 DB, Ridderkerk
Mob: +31 6 83431868
[email protected]
www.berryland.nl
