The Belgian top fruit sector's mood seems to have changed entirely as the end of the season approaches. The pear situation was already quite positive, but recently, pessimism about apples has generally given way to optimism. "The new crop seems to be two to three weeks later than last year due to the recent cold weather, so there's plenty of time to clear everything this season," Christophe Van Haelst of Van Haelst Fruit and VHM Fruit Trade begins.
According to him, free-market pear prices are currently relatively high. "Storage is going fairly well. The stock of free pears is already running pretty empty, but because they're so expensive, people are increasingly looking to, for example, overseas pears as alternatives. That hasn't happened for a while this season. Conference was cheaper, but prices for overseas pears are now almost equal."
"Buyers are, therefore, gradually moving in that direction. Fortunately, those volumes aren't so high as to push Conference completely off the market. And luckily, the new crop seems to have been delayed for a little over a month, which means we can work longer with the old crop. There's, thus, enough time to clear everything out," says Christophe.
Also, the persistent cold benefits apple and pear consumption. "Temperatures are still fairly low all over Europe, except Spain. That's good for apple and pear consumption. Plus, the new products, like strawberries and cherries, haven't arrived yet, so we're definitely in a good place for now. Belgian auction prices are actually just €0.10 or €0.20 too high. Those aren't realistic; still, that's positive because it helps free pear growers. At the end of the day, there's nothing better."
Apples - mood turns around
Regarding apples, the last few months' tone appears to have provided room for perspective for the Belgian supply. "There are still some softer apples pushing the market," explains Van Haelst.
"We don't expect to get the first decent new apples on the market until mid-September, so, still a way off. So far, prices haven't been great, but they should improve nicely from June/July. That's simply because the new harvest is late, and people are more reluctant to ship apples overseas. Plus, other countries will have found markets closer to home and will more likely buy from there than Europe."
"It's hard to predict when exactly the new crop will be available. There are plenty of strong buds in Belgium and the Netherlands, though. Those weren't yet advanced enough to be damaged by the recent frost, either. However, it remains to be seen how the production in Italy will go. It froze heavily there last week. It's too early to say anything with certainty; we'll have to see if that country will meet its production. The situation generally offers plenty of perspective for the new Belgian top fruit crop," Christophe concludes.
For more information:
Christophe Van Haelst
Van Haelst Fruit
85 Kieldrechtsebaan
9130, Verrebroek, BE
Tel: +32 (0) 333 61 647
Mob: +32 (0) 477 777 736
Email: info@vanhaelstfruit.be
Website: www.vanhaelstfruit.be