Dutch pears are fetching good prices. "Things are running very smoothly. The large sizes are selling for between €1.25 and 1.35. Those higher prices slow down sales somewhat, but I don't see prices dropping suddenly. The slightly shrunken Belgian supply benefits us," says Paul Peters of the fruit trader of the same name.
Kees and Paul Peters
"Being centrally located in the Netherlands means we can irrigate our pears. We, thus, still, very fortunately, have green pears. Our refrigerated pears have excellent quality. That's down to many things, like how they were picked and keeping a close eye on rot. Things can go very differently if that quality's not there."
"Pear exports are quite good for now. Poland, Italy, France, and basically all European countries are buying well. Will our pears make it to the end of the season?" Paul wonders. "That will be tough unless exports stop. The question is also what will happen with the overseas pears. Those are expensive now, too, but there will undoubtedly be a reaction to high pear prices here."
Although apple prices are considerably lower, Paul sees bright spots there too. "Industry apples may yet start pushing prices up because those customers have to get their peeled apples from somewhere. Jonagold prices are already rising. Elstar prices are still hanging around a bit. Supermarkets must carry good quality Elstars. If those have good quality and firmness, sales will remain. There are those of poorer quality, but there are still plenty of good apples in cold storage," he concludes.
For more information:
Paul Peters
Gebr. Peters Fruithandel
2 Culekampseweg
4031 JG, Ingen, NL
Mob: +31 (0) 651 111 317
Email :[email protected]