According to statistical data of the Russian federation Belgium exported 2,800 tons of apples to Russia during the period July to November 2012. That was 37% less than the previous season in this period. The share of the Belgian apple export decreases steadily. This is the result of Russia importing more from other countries. In season 2005/06 Belgium was the fourth biggest apple exporter to Russia with a share of 7%. In the season 2011/12 the country was only number fourteen and the share in the total apple import in Russia was only 1.3%. At the same time it must be mentioned, that the Belgian apple export may still get a place this winter and that volumes will still increase during the remainder of the season.
According to Luc Bels of the family company Bels-Best Fruit in Sint-Truiden this is certainly a problem. "I talk a lot with follow growers and traders and we notice that the export of apples to Russia decreases each year. Although there is talk of a smaller harvest this year, there is also less export. But we see the production volumes of Poland and the other countries around Russia increase rapidly. They also often have the same varieties as we have and which are then offered cheaper. The big sizes Jonagold and mutations are difficult to send to Russia all the time. The only one for which there is still demand is the Jonagored."
Serious problem
"As the export to Russia decreases we will have to start looking for new buyers or find out whether the present clients want to buy more. This year the harvest in France was a little less, consequently more will be sent there. Germany is also buying well at the moment." But what if the apple export to Russia decreases more and more and finally Belgium is not allowed to supply anymore? "It is very difficult to compete with the low cost price of Poland. We are very aware of this and we do not think the future is rosy. What we suggest to our colleagues is to look for alternatives. Not only in the area of markets, but also in other varieties. With club apples we are not dependent on Russia, but more on countries like the Netherlands, Germany and France. We will have to concentrate on specialities and niche products. To distinguish ourselves in that area makes us stronger. Only with Jonagold will we be unsuccessful!"
For more information:
Luc Bels
Bels-Best Fruit NV
8, Brustem-Dorp
3800 Sint-Truiden - Belgium
+32 0495-549750
+32 011-692689
[email protected]
www.belsbest.com