The Spanish stone fruit season is in full swing, but it is currently facing challenges. This is according to Henk Vlaeminck of Van Dijk Foods. "Weather conditions in Spain make it difficult to source high-quality fruit, and the resulting high prices make sales challenging. It's a double-edged sword."
"There has been some rain in certain areas," the importer continued. "I also saw videos of the hail in Murcia last week—hailstones the size of tennis balls. Although it is localized, the flowers are damaged by this weather, which leads to reduced or no fruit. This means lower volumes coming our way, with some quality issues as well."
Henk further explained that this situation is driving prices up. "Everything is quite expensive at the moment—apricots, nectarines, cherries. Prices are strong. Demand is reasonable due to the good weather here, but it is not as high as expected. When something is too expensive for too long, consumers look for alternatives. Local strawberries are relatively cheap, and the weather is perfect for outdoor terraces. As we say here: 'Where the brewer comes, the baker must not deliver.' In Belgium, a beer goes down better than a piece of fruit."
"We're not complaining," Henk continued. "But sales could certainly be better. How things will develop in the coming weeks is hard to predict. The market sets the price. People can say there is little fruit available, but if prices get too high, consumers will turn away. Then the situation can change very quickly. If consumers switch to other products, there can suddenly be a surplus. As a result, I do expect the market to correct prices. It's a matter of waiting and seeing, but for now, the season is struggling."
For more information:
Henk Vlaeminck
Van Dijk Foods
Kempenarestraat 50
2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
Tel: +32 15 55 65 61
[email protected]
www.vandijkfoods.be