The top fruit market is searching at the moment. "The sales of apples are even more difficult than the pears. The sales on the domestic market are going well, but export is difficult," says Jeron op't Hof of Hof Fruit from Heinkenzand. "At the start of the season I, like everyone else, was positive, but over the last month and a half trade hasn't been wild. In previous years it was mainly the price you were negotiation on, now there is little enthusiasm even at a lower price. It would be a blessing for the Russian borders to open again, but I don't see that happening any time soon."
"All in all it's a tough year for many growers, in which the cost price isn't made in many cases. For unsorted product, the price of good Conference is around 40 cents and for mediocre sorting between 35-40 with provisions, for good Elstar around 38-40 cents and for lesser quality between 20 and 25 cents. Around 25 cents is put down for Jonagold. The price of the good quality top fruit won't sink immediately, but not much water fell last growing season and this is causing some quality problems in the country," continues Jeroen.
"In pears the Doyenné du Comice and Lukassen have run out and only Conference is left. Last year we had Poland as a convenience instead of a competitor, as pears could be sold there, but they can't do much with the finer sizes that we have a lot of at the moment. Poland is clearing out, which has caused the industry price to come under pressure. All in all the trade could do with pulling up over the coming time, but I will continue to look for good parties," concludes the trader.
