For apples in particular the commercial season is hard to estimate. The Belgian sector expects larger apples, as there are less apples on the trees. There are no doubts about quality, the sugar level is good, which means the apples will be very tasty. In pears we see the same phenomenon: a good sugar level and excellent flavour. Compared to other year, the Belgian pears will be slightly smaller. The sector is hoping for a good price formation for the producer. This is necessary for the continued survival of our companies. Besides the dramatic frost damage this season and the storm damage last year, the Russian embargo remains a heavy burden on our companies, lasting for 3 years now. This embargo was recently extended to the end of 2018. Despite the difficult situation in the sector there will have to be further investment in modernisation of our fruit companies (new varieties, harvest protection, diversification...) and new sales markets will have to be sought, especially for our pears. The support of the Belgian wholesale and the consumer in their conscious choice of Belgian apples and pears is also crucial.
The harvest estimates for Belgium are made by the Flemish government, department of Agriculture and Fisheries, in collaboration with Boerenbond, the Verbond van Belgische Tuinbouwcoöperaties (VBT) and the auctions. 250 fruit cultivation companies were asked, divided over all Belgian provinces.
Source: Boerenbond