Fewer Belgian strawberries on the market

There aren't as many strawberries on the market at the moment and the prices differ by variety. "The highest prices are given for Elsanta. The good ones are between 2.60 and 2.70 for a half kilo. For the other varieties, such as Harmony and Portola, an average of between 1.40 and 1.60 is given. There is a big difference in the prices. This is particularly to do with the quality," says Jackie Boussier of the export company Boussier.

Quality is an important pillar for the company. "We don't need strawberries that look good today but are unrecognisable in two days. Our customers expect quality and want to pay for it. Especially the buyers in Norway. They still have partial own production and we are filling in the shortages. Some find the price too high in Norway. 40% import tax is added and the transport costs as well. This makes the product very pricey. Yet they still need the strawberries."

Not a lot available
Besides Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and France are Boussier buyers. "There aren't a lot of strawberries available in Belgium. There was a total of around 80 tonnes at the auction today. The Elsanta season is coming to an end and we are now waiting for the conservatory production. It's behind compared to previous years. There is usually a larger volume of strawberries on the market. There also isn't much available in other countries."

He expects the strawberries to remain at a good price. "There should be a good volume coming from the greenhouses soon, but the price is expected to remain fine. Strawberries are a desirable product," concludes Jackie.

For more information:
Jackie Boussier
Boussier N.V.
Colenstraat 11a
3840 Borgloon - Belgium
Tel: +32-12741991
www.belfrutex.be
[email protected]