The supply peaks that sometimes occur in the strawberry market in October are absent this year, says Sjraar Hulsman of Frankort & Koning from Venlo. "There is enough product available on the market to meet customer demand, but the supply is nicely balanced with demand. After last year's strawberry prices were quite weak at the start of the autumn season, growers planted later this year. Additionally, due to the cold weather, growers in tunnels stopped earlier than last year. Back then, we had summer-like weather in September and early October, allowing growers in tunnels, both here and in the UK—which is now a major export market—to continue longer."
"In addition, many growers have everbearing varieties in greenhouses and continue growing them until October or early November, before restarting in early spring with Sonsation or Sonata. New good-quality everbearing varieties like Karima, Arabella, and Lady Emma have been introduced, partially replacing the Elsanta and Malling Centenary varieties, which typically peak in October. We're also seeing that, with the same planting dates, growers in Limburg have started harvesting earlier than those in West Brabant, because average daily temperatures in Limburg have been higher so far.
Finally, more growers are working with varieties traditionally grown in California, Florida, and Southern Europe, such as Inspire. These varieties produce about 25% less in the fall compared to Elsanta and have a more consistent yield. All these factors combined have contributed to the absence of the usual production peak and price drop this year."
No steep discounts at the moment
"Prices are at a good level. In previous years, you often saw heavy promotions during this period, but that's not the case now, though we may see larger volumes becoming available in the next two weeks. Today, day prices are around 5-6 euros per kilo for loose fruit. In the Netherlands, packed greenhouse strawberries are on promotion for 7.50 euros per kilo, while in the UK, they are priced at the equivalent of 13.50 euros," Sjraar explains. "The quality and brix levels of the strawberries are generally good, although we do need daylight to keep the brix levels up. If that fades and nighttime temperatures remain high, we could face some quality challenges."
"As for Peruvian blueberries, we're seeing high prices, though they are gradually declining. Prices for the 125-gram packs are around 12 euros per kilo, with larger packs priced at around 10 euros per kilo. In Germany, blueberries are on promotion this week at 1.79 euros per 125 grams. There are also berries available from Argentina, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, but I'm very pleased with the quality and volumes from Peru," Sjraar continues. For red currants, the situation is less dramatic. "Prices have been around 24 euros for one and a half kilos for a while now, and sales are going smoothly!"
For more information:
Sjraar Hulsman
Frankort & Koning
Tel: + 31 (0)77 3897 328
[email protected]
www.frankort.nl