"Belgium: "Pear demand continues; quality sometimes a problem"

The prices on the pear market have been at the same level for a number of weeks. "On one hand we can't complain, but on the other, it's difficult", says Steven Evenepoel of Evenepoel Fruit, Belgium. "Everyone says there's problems in quality with pears. Since about ten days ago various growers have had bother with brown shell. Luckily we don't have much bother form it, but it seems to be a growing problem."

"The sales, however, are continuing and the demand hasn't decreased", continues the fruit grower, who mainly supplies pears to Scandinavian countries. "We want to supply quality to our customers, so sorting the fruit takes more time now." He says the prices vary per party. "We have an average price of around 35 to 40 cents."

According to the figures from various corners there are still a lot of volumes on the market. "The supply is no different compared to other years", says Steven. "It's hard to predict what will happen in the coming months. "A fellow grower recently said that he hoped the market would remain stable. He was afraid the prices would drop even more. Others say more will be paid for quality in the coming weeks. Whether this will happen? We'll have to wait and see."

For more information:
Steven Evenepoel
Evenepoel Fruit
Oppenstraat 65-67
B-3454 Rummen
Tel: +32-11589040
Fax: +32-11581532
www.evenepoel.com