The pickers are very busy harvesting Belgium top fruit. Pears are slowly arriving in volumes. "There is a good demand in the market and whatever is available sells well," Jackie Boussier of the export company of the same name tells. "This year we expect a very good market for pears. The price expectations are good. For apples we are not so sure as yet. Poland is an important competitor with a bigger harvest and lower prices."
"The volume of pears is still small. It is expected that within fourteen days numbers will increase. The prices at auction for growers are at a high level at the moment, between 80 and 90 cents. That is a lot higher than last year, when between 20 and 25 cents less was paid around this time." He mentions that the trade still has to get used to these prices. "Perhaps they are a little high for export. When prices are 10 to 15 cents lower selling would be quicker. It is normal that prices at the start of the season are at a high level, but these really are top prices," Boussier exports the pears to Scandinavia and Russia at the moment.
"It is difficult to estimate when and whether prices of pears will decrease," Jackie continues. "It also depends on the client. Normally in a few weeks from now the price will decrease because of larger volume, but growers may sort less for a while. It is difficult to predict what will happen this season."
For more information:
Jackie Boussier
Jackie Boussier N.V.
11a, Colenstraat
3840 Borgloon - Belgium
Tel: +32-12741991
www.belfrutex.be