"Belgium: "Bigger strawberry volume due to extended greenhouse area"

The strawberry volumes are slowly starting to come in at Veiling Hoogstraten, auction, Belgium. Yesterday about 50 tons was auctioned. "In that respect, we are a bit behind last year and about equal with 2010," says Jan Engelen. "This year has been delayed partly because the weather has been less sunny than last season."

Major customers: Belgium, France and Scandinavia

"The average prices are currently around 4.5 to 5 Euro. This is true for all grades. Last year at this time we were at a slightly lower level, but in the weeks before we could speak of top prizes of about 6 Euro per kilo. The prices are normal to good. There is currently less supply and good demand. "The demand comes mainly from Belgium, France and Scandinavia. "The Belgian retailers have now almost all switched to domestic strawberries. Possibly, still a small amount of Spanish product. The export is proceeding well. Major customers for us, France and Scandinavia. Together with Belgium, these three countries account for 85% of the sales."

Production Increase
According to Jan, the big volumes are yet to come. "This is also related to the weather. When the sun is there, then the production rate is higher. I have spoken to several growers and they indicated that there are quite a few flowers on the plants and this will of course also all still fruit. "Veiling Hoogstraten has a larger area under glass this season. "Last year we had a volume of 27.5 million kilo and we expect this year to have 28.5 million kilo."

The commercial manager sees the season positively. "It is important to begin the new year with an optimistic view. Although we must be realistic, it is has been a rather difficult start with vegetables and this causes us to the other worries."

For more information:
Jan Engelen
Veiling Hoogstraten
Belgium
Tel: +32 3 3400233
Fax: +32 3 3147844
www.veilinghoogstraten.be