“More peaks expected but strawberry prices will remain at a good level”

The price of strawberries was high in September. “The volume then increased a little, but we still work at fair prices. Even the prices for small strawberries are good, so we can speak of a good autumn so far,” says Philip Van Overbeke of Maatschap Van Overbeke.

Van Overbeke, who runs the business with his daughter Jorien, believes prices are unlikely to fall. “Volumes are increasing slightly on the market, because around ten days ago, parcels were priced between €10 and €12, whereas today, prices on the Belgian markets are between €5 and €6. This is still very correct and the volumes currently arriving should not have a big impact on prices. And demand is still dynamic, which is very positive. »

“Prices of €12 are not always desirable either. In June or July, why not because the strawberries go anyway. But the bulk of the sales are behind us and with the weather turning autumnal, people are slowly moving on to something else. Demand is going down in this season anyway and when strawberries are more expensive, stores prefer to replace them on the shelves with other products. Today, the demand is still there and the quality is good. We didn’t have a problem with soft fruit. »

“For me, demand will no longer increase, sales are taking place quietly at the points of sale. Our strawberries remain mainly on the domestic market, but I have heard that the Belgian supply is in demand by many European countries. »

Van Overbeek hopes to be able to offer his strawberries until the end of the year. “Last year there was a heatwave in September, so everyone had already picked up their plants by the end of November and everything was cleaned up. With the heat, all the strawberries arrived on the market at the same time, but this season, the crops are spaced a little further apart, which allows for better distribution. Despite a 24 degree day, I don’t see any more heat waves looming, so we should be able to maintain good prices until the end of the year. Another big difference is that, until a few years ago, only Elsanta was seen during this period. Today, we see many other varieties, like Karima, which has an impact on prices. The reign of Elsanta is no more, and the advent of everbearing varieties allows for a more spread out offering. »

For more information:
Philip Van Overbeke
Strawberries from Overbeke
Such. : +32 56614388
[email protected]
www.aardbeienvanoverbeke.be

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