The new crop of cranberries is available at Nature’s Pride. "From now on, we'll get weekly supplies of fresh cranberries from our regular growers in America and Canada. The season is off to a promising start with sufficient availability and good demand for the product," says Bram Klapwijk, a buyer at this Dutch company.
Harvesting began three weeks ago. "This season's crop looks better than last year. Then, production was lower because, after a very warm April, May was much colder, with periods of frost. This year's weather conditions are far more favorable for cranberries. So, there's good product quality and adequate volumes."
Many importers are currently facing sharply rising prices. Sea freight and product costs have skyrocketed. Add unfavorable exchange rates to that mix, and you get higher prices. "There's global inflation. It's hard to say if that will affect cranberry sales and demand. As this season begins, demand is higher than in other years, which is good for us," continues Bram.
Nature’s Pride gets cranberries from Wisconsin, U.S.A, and Quebec in Canada. "Over the years, we've become one of the largest fresh cranberry importers in Northern Europe. Our growers specialize in harvesting cranberries for the fresh market. Together, we ensure more and more consumers can enjoy fresh cranberries."
"Our optical grader sorts out externally damaged cranberries. They don't reach the fresh market but go to a fruit processing plant," Bram explains. "Thus, damaged but still-flavorful cranberries are processed into things like purees and concentrates. Last year, in this way, we preserved some 38,200 kg of cranberries within the food chain."
Cranberries often accompany game and holiday meals. However, their health aspects mean these berries are gaining ground in beverages and other dishes. "Cranberries contain vitamin C, which aids people's immune system and contributes to fitness. As shoppers become more familiar with these health benefits and we try to inspire them with preparation options, more and more of them begin enjoying cranberries," Bram concludes.
