The open ground season has started again and the glass season is over. "Therefore we are now even more dependent on the weather," as per the strawberry fieldman. "It all started at the end of last week. Prices started to decrease. It is still not quite clear what the cause was, because supply was not really on a higher level. But we have already had more peaks and dips this season. In general the price is between 80 and 90 cents or lower for a box of 500 grs. Here in Belgium we have to sort them. Therefore B and C quality are now at 20 to 30 cents."
"Because of the amount of rain it is now also more difficult to get optimum quality. Last week it was warm and now there is a lot of rain. This has a bad influence. Also the frost in February was bad for the strawberry plants and because of the hail a few weeks ago a part was damaged. All in all it is rather disappointing for the growers. Last season also was not too good."
Supply is now between 50 and 80 tons per day, the one day a little more and the following day a little less. "In any case this season the supply is less because the area is smaller," as per Peters. "It is a great challenge to get rid of the strawberries every day, even at these low prices." Most of it is sold abroad now. "Strawberries are going to Scandinavia and Russia. The demand from France and Germany tends to increase."
Rudi hopes that the market situation will improve quickly. "The weather for this week still looks gloomy, but we must remain optimistic. Together with our growers."
For more information:
Rudi Peters
Belgische Fruitveiling
82, Montenakenweg
3800 Sint-Truiden - Belgium
T: +32 (0)11 69 34 11
F: +32 (0)11 68 54 60
www.bfv.be