“Price consequences of frost damage to apples will only become clear this time next year”

The top fruit market is currently characterised by fair demand. “Trade is calm. Some is sold, but it’s a tough struggle,” says wholesale trader Peter van Weverwijk, who is specialised in export to France (Rungis). “There’s much demand for great apples, but last week auction prices became pressured for good Elstar suddenly.”

Because of the frost damages in the European apple cultivation, the speculation regarding next season has naturally started by now. “What’s been happening is not nothing, and it has already been determined that we’ll all pick fewer kilograms. But the consequences for pricing cannot be predicted yet. We’ll know more this time next year,” Peter continues.

“But it’s warm and summer fruit weather. Strawberries are doing fairly well. Prices are between 1.80 to more than 2 euro. Raspberry prices are between 1.25 and 1.80 euro, but these are day prices, and they can differ quite a lot per day. Blackberries are also expensive.”