The French cherry season kicked off at the beginning of May, but the situation on the market is now "complicated", according to the president of Agence Laparra. Weather hazards in France have largely benefited Spanish producers.
French cherries weakened by rain
"Our clients prefer French cherries, but they are buying Spanish cherries." The (very) rainy weather of the last weeks have caused "the French fruits to be waterlogged and therefore very difficult to market. The early French varieties, like the Burlat for example, are gustatory varieties but this year, the quality level is not good and the product does not keep. Spanish cherries are also affected by the bad weather but less than in France, so they are coming onto the market with larger and more solid varieties. As a result, Spanish cherries are more sought-after than the French ones, which are unfortunately very difficult to promote."
More expensive Spanish cherries
Spanish cherries arrived on the French market later than in previous years. "Spain currently has firm-fleshed varieties that keep better than the French Burlats, and are therefore sold at a higher price than some of the French products." Prices are high overall, and higher than last year due to the lack of volumes.
"Consumption is not best, unsurprisingly, given the current weather," but the demand is nonetheless present. "Cherries are a seasonal product, and people now want summer fruit. If the weather improves over the next few days, we will be able to better promote French cherries."
For more information:
Eric Godard Durand
Agence Laparra
62A, rue de Montpellier
Bat C2
94622 Rungis
Phone: +331 46 86 40 30
Mobile: +336 09 22 20 84
[email protected]
www.laparra.fr