Current hard fruit prices provide a reason for optimism in the trade. For example, Elstar apples are being sold at prices ranging from €0.90 to €1.25, and Conference pears are also priced above €1. "The prices are good, but we need to maintain this price level to sustain cultivation in the Netherlands, as costs are skyrocketing," says fruit trader Paul Peters from Ingen.
Kees and Paul Peters
"We should not forget that here in the Netherlands and Belgium, we have three top products available in free trade that we can be proud of: Elstar, Jonagold, and Conference, all of which are loved by consumers. If European buyers focused more on taste, they might value our products higher in terms of price, as overseas pears have much less flavor," Paul explains.
"Jonagold apples are growing large this year, which in turn increases demand for Elstar, though we do have a lot of smaller sizes available. The overall quality is good. You need to monitor the firmness of the Elstar, and Conference pears sometimes have a slight tinge, but overall, we can offer a strong selection of Dutch top fruit," says the trader.
He looks ahead to the coming months with confidence. "Demand is broad at the moment. We can send pears everywhere. Sometimes, we are too hesitant to raise prices slightly, but small price increases are being well accepted for now. And we shouldn't dwell too much on last year's situation, as every year is different. That's something I've learned over my many years in the fruit trade."
For more information:
Paul Peters
Gebr. Peters Fruithandel
Culekampseweg 2
4031 JG Ingen
Mob: +31 06 51 11 13 17
info@petersfruithandel.nl