The soft fruit market is showing positive signs for the Easter season. According to a Business Development Manager, there is a lot of movement in the market, with more volume coming in from Southern Europe and Morocco.
This increased supply means there is plenty of product available for sale. Regarding strawberries, the Manager notes that the area under lighted cultivation was smaller due to high energy prices, resulting in stable prices. Though the yield differs per individual grower, the majority of greenhouse strawberry growers are willing to sell at current prices.
The earliest cultivation focuses on the Sonsation variety, which is rounder and has a good taste, meeting customer demands. Prices currently range between 32 and 38 euros for 10×500 grams. Newer strawberry varieties, such as Inspire and Fandango, are also making their way to the market.
Despite a lack of light and higher production affecting the taste, the quality of these varieties has improved and are now available for sale. The Malling Centenary is also a variety that is now being produced and has proven successful.
Combining asparagus and strawberries is popular, especially in sales markets like Germany. Supermarkets and surrounding trade have shown interest in these products, and demand is high. The continued cultivation of Elsanta will start later this year, and the Manager remains optimistic about the Dutch season. For blueberries, the overseas season was difficult, with pressure from expanded productions in Peru affecting the market.
Chile decided to stop sending blueberries to Europe in January, causing further strain. However, the Spanish and Moroccan season is starting to increase, causing prices to drop to 6-7 euros per kilo. Red currants from Dutch berries in CA storage are selling well, with prices between 18 and 20 euros per kilo for good batches.
Feature picture source: https://tinyurl.com/2v6s2pxr.
3 April 2023
