"Belgium: "No pressure because of overproduction this year"

The summer apples and pears have been marketed for about three weeks at Veiling Haspengouw. "It is striking that from the start up to now good prices are being paid for this top fruit," Etienne Leclere, commercial director, says. "In the past it normally started off well, but the market collapsed quickly again. Now the price of the fruit is holding, making the start positive. We start this season optimistically. Last year of course was disappointing because of hail and bad prices, but because of a smaller European production this year, we expect a better top fruit season."

Stable and good prices

"A positive factor this year is that because of the smaller production there is no pressure from European overproduction. Also we have arranged with our growers not to oversupply the market. As a result we expect good and stable prices this season. The quality of the products is good. Last year there were some problems because of hail. This season there was some hail here and there, but compared to August 2011 this is of little importance," he explains.

"At the end of August we also started selling Conference and this is going well. The picking for storage of this variety will start at the end of this week. Prices are good and they are being sold between 90 cents and 1.10. The first Conference are sold quickly and there is sufficient interest. This is logical as we have an empty market. The old harvest is finished and import apples do not come this way. Everybody is anxious to have fresh products on the shelf."

Bigger production in Eastern Europe

According to the commercial director there are many important markets for Veiling Haspengouw. "As far as volumes are concerned Russia is still the largest market. In the area of apples we could meet with Eastern European countries, such as Poland, this season. The production there is a lot bigger than normal. The country has also invested in new cooling facilities and has various advantages, such as distance and lower expenses. Nevertheless we still have unique varieties and we expect to be able to sell our product in Russia as usual. Possibly in other countries as well because of the smaller volumes in Western Europe."

Etienne hopes that this year will be a positive one for the growers after the difficult 2011 season. "If the smaller volume results in a better price, this year will be a success. Nevertheless it is always looking into the future as in this sector we are dependent on various factors, which we cannot always anticipate."

For more information:
Etienne Leclère
Veiling Haspengouw
152, Tongersesteenweg
3800 Sint-Truiden
Tel: +32 11 670 611
Fax: +32 11 672 776
www.veilinghaspengouw.be