The transitional period to import product has almost started again for soft fruit. “It is that time again. We still have plenty of domestic and European product, but quality is decreasing somewhat already. I expect we will get soft fruit from outside Europe within several weeks,” says Gerrit de Vlieger of Vrijders from Brussels, Belgium.
Good prices
De Vlieger is a trader on the wholesaler’s market Mabru, and he indicates that buzz on the market changes daily. “Today was more crowded than yesterday. Of course, that is also due to the warmer weather. Raspberries are doing well and prices are between 1.50 and 1.60 euro. Blackberries were selling between 1 and 1.20 euro. Both products do not have surplus supply, and that can really make a difference.” De Vlieger thinks it is noticeable that redcurrants did not have a slump at all this year. “In other years, August could be a little disappointing, but this year redcurrants held their own, and prices remained stable and good. Blueberries also had a good season. Prices were around two euros for 500 grammes regularly, and right now they are around 2.50 euro.”
Blueberry season drawing to an end
De Vlieger indicates that September is a more difficult season for soft fruit, traditionally. “This month usually has a bit of a slump, people start eating new top fruit again. Interest in soft fruit returns in October/November. So it is clearly time for imported fruit. The European season for blueberries is drawing to an end in particular. We saw a fair amount of Polish fruit on the market as well this year, but fortunately this did not have a negative influence on the market situation. It is good to know that demand for this product is increasing. We are now waiting for Peru and other origins from outside the EU.”
