The export of Dutch apples and pears fell seventeen percent in the first half of 2015 compared to 2014. A large share of the harvest was already sold for low prices at the end of 2014. A lower supply due to a cold spring is the cause of three percent less export of vegetables in the first half of 2015. This was shown from figures from GroentenFruit Huis based on KCB export figures.
Every Brazilian eats an average of 500 grammes of Dutch onions
Onions are a third of the export of fruits and vegetables. Despite the drop out of the Russian market due to the boycott the export of 462 million kilos in the first six months of 2015 was one of the largest ever. Onion exporters found various new markets such as Brazil. This country was the first export destination for Dutch onions in the first half of 2015. Brazilians ate an average of half a kilo of Dutch onions each. Besides this Indonesia and Panama opened their borders to Dutch onions.
Lower export of greenhouse vegetables
The disappointing spring weather caused a lower start to the tomato production. This also lead to a lower export (-8%), especially towards Germany. The tomato export to England (+5%) and Italy (+29%) increased. Italy is becoming an increasingly important buyer of Dutch fruits and vegetables. The export to Italy increased by a quarter in the first six months. Italy bough more Dutch peppers and pears. The export of cucumbers was severely behind last year (-17%) up until June due to a decrease in area and a smaller production yield. 4 percent more pepper was exported. Germany, England, Poland and the United States bought more pepper. Pepper is gaining popularity in England. The import from the Netherlands is increasing.
Europeans eat more pear
A larger export of pears to countries like England, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic and Italy compensated for an important share of the dropped out export to Russia. Especially early in the sales season (Sept-Dec) a lot of Dutch pears were sold (for low prices) in Europe. The import of pears in the Southern Hemisphere in the EU was almost 20 percent smaller last spring than the year before. This provided more space for the consumption of locally picked pears in the EU.
Success in entering new markets
Last year Brazil and China opened their borders to pears and Indonesia and Panama to onions. The negotiations with China for the sales of peppers have almost been finalised. The sale of apples and pears in India, South Africa and Colombia are in an advanced stage. There is also growth in export in a number of up and coming markets such as in the Middle East (incl. Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar). The volumes are still low here, but this year the export from the Netherlands to this region is growing more strongly than ever (+40%). Businesses and government are working hard to open new markets. Often, phytosanitary agreements have to be made before a new market can be entered.
Source: GroentenFruit Huis