New packaging
Mieke Thoelen says: "We are introducing a new packaging for the top range. The best strawberries of the Elsanta and Sonata variety are packaged this way. The new packaging has a different lay-out and has an insert card, adding a luxurious feel to the strawberries. This packaging is mainly meant for greengrocers, giving them the opportunity to stand out," Mieke explains. "There are several promotional campaigns planned with the new packaging."
Raspberries
The auction witnessed an increase in raspberry acreage for a number of years. The trend seemed to stagnate this year and the 2013 acreage remains comparable to 2012. The total acreage for raspberries at the moment is roughly 36 hectares. Mara Villa is still the most important variety.
Blackberries
The blackberry acreage experienced yearly growth until 2008. Borgloon Auction was confronted with a reduction of cultivation acreage from 2008 on, due to lower prices. This year marks a turnaround with 2011 and 2012 showing a recovery of the mid range prices for blackberries. This is also reflected in the increase of blackberry acreage with 1.7 hectares. Loch Ness is still the most important variety.
Red berries
There is currently a little revival after two years of decreasing acreage for red berries. The total red berry acreage is about 20 hectares. The most important variety is Rovada with 65%.
Blueberries
The cultivation of blueberries has fluctuated at around the same level for a number of years. This year is no exception. The cultivation acreage for blueberries amounted to well over 34 hectares in 2013. More than 90% of blueberries are currently cultivated in fields or outdoors.
Gooseberries
Gooseberry cultivation has been doing really well in the last few years. The acreage reached 10 hectares in 2010, the highest level so far. It has remained constant ever since. However, this year shows a slight decline in acreage. The cultivation area for gooseberries sank just below 10 hectares in 2013. The decline will not lead to lower supplies, as the young plants are reaching full capacity at the moment.
