Poland strong in other countries
Is Holland completely without competition? "Of course we notice for instance Poland producing more. But the competition is in the area of price, not quality. Perhaps they will have developed more in a few years, and then we might have some bother from them." According to Eef, buyers Poland has should also be taken into account. "They supply a lot to Russia. If we were to export to Russia, it would be more difficult. They're also strong in markets like Scandinavia, Finland and other East Block countries. In those markets Poland is pressuring the prices. In Europe we're not bothered by it, not yet. Poland does have its better storing varieties. They're not bad apples. We even had a few this year. We had to prepare them for the supermarkets and there was a lot of bother. We stopped because the quality wasn't up to scratch. It was mainly due to scarring, so they're still turned down here."
When asked whether the apples from Tyrol are more serious competition at the moment, the grower replies that once again, this is in another area. "As far as segments are concerned we're in the middle, with the right price/quality ratio. Poland is below and Tyrol is aiming for the high sector. They supply a lot to supermarkets, but they're different varieties from ours. They also focus a lot on the packaging and a lot is supplied in bags and foodtainers."
As long as there is Dutch and Belgian top fruit Van Blijderveen doesn't think that supermarkets will switch to overseas product. "Some expected the prices to double or triple, but that hasn't happened yet. They may rise more. The prices are different every season. At the moment there are a lot of small apples and there is price pressure in this segment. Last year the little sixties of the Elstar variety went for 40 to 55 cents, and at the moment it's 30 to 35 cents. If you add in the costs, it's hardly profitable."
For more information:
Gebr. Van Blijderveen B.V.
Tel: +31 (0) 344 601224
Email: [email protected]
www.blijderveenfruit.nl
