Today, BelOrta is selling the first blackberries of the season. These first blackberries are of the Loch Ness variety. They were produced thanks to early greenhouse cultivation. The first cases (12 punnets of 125g/case) were supplied by two growers. They are Willy Royakkers from Nazareth, Belgium, and Kwekerij De Koning from Etten-Leur, which is in the Netherlands. The first box was bought by Nicolai Fruit for €100,98 per 125 grammes. This year, BelOrta will again donate an amount of €2,500 to the Ter Heide Care Facility.
Johan Gerrits (BelOrta), Kari Feys (Ter Heide), Hannah Nicolaï (Nicolaï Fruit)
Blackberries becoming increasing popular with consumers
Blackberries have been gaining popularity among Belgian consumers for a number of years now. This is evident in figures released by the research agency, GfK. These indicate that, over the past three years, the number of Belgian families who buy blackberries at least once a year has more than doubled. This figure has increased from 5% in 2014 to 11% in 2017.
This shows that blackberries' local and international popularity has grown considerably over the past few years. This is reflected at BelOrta with an 18% increase in acreage compared to 2017. This means BelOrta own a sizeable share in the Belgian blackberry market. In Belgium, blackberries are sold at auction. All of BelOrta's blackberries are cultivated under protection. Their main variety is the Loch Ness. BelOrta is expecting to produce more than 1 million kg of blackberries. This will ensure that blackberries will be available from now until the end of the year.
Focus on BelOrta soft fruit this summer
In the coming summer season, BelOrta will put their soft fruit in the spotlight. In June and July, BelOrta soft fruit will feature in various advertisements on different Belgian channels. Upcoming promotions will be announced on BelOrtaś social media platforms.
For more information:
BelOrta
+32 (0) 155 511 11
For more information:
Nicolaï Fruit
+32 (0) 116 955 55