Early December in the Netherlands is not the best week for fruit sales, "People spend their money on other products during this week," concludes Erik Kieftenburg from Fruit-Noordholland, part of MJ Pronk in Zwaagdijk, the Netherlands. Yet there has been some specific demand, "For instance, the first harvest of Elstar has brought in some good money, this is because they are not being put on the market all at once. Although there is less interest in the second harvest."
"For Gieser Wildeman pear sales colder weather is needed. But there is relatively less supply of this product, so that will be fine. Conference pear sales have not gone as expected. Sales in Germany are especially difficult. However, the domestic market is doing well. We sold more Doyenné du Comice pears than expected, but the supply of the 65-75 size is much larger than last year. There is a shortage of the large sizes, which has resulted in good prices. Primarily the large sized Comice pears are being exported to Italy and France," says the fruit trader.
"Although there are less Boskoop apples, the price is still not good. There is only a shortage in the 95-105 sizes, which are being picked up now," says Erik. "Fortunately, we have access to good quality top fruit: nice looking, smooth, good taste. The apples with less color and the second harvest of Jonagold, which had problems in other years, are fine to eat."
For more information:
Fruit Noordholland BV
Groothandelsmarkt 2
1681 NN Zwaagdijk
fruitnhbv@zonnet.nl
www.mjpronk.nl