At Van Ooijen Citrus, the first Spanish greenhouse cherries arrived on the market three weeks ago, but more substantial volumes have only come in this week. "Spain always starts on an empty market, so at first it's really about selling by the box. But now we've received our first full pallet of the Coral variety," says Lucien Ruiter.
Van Ooijen Citrus sources its cherries from supplier Río Cinca, located between the Pyrenees and the Spanish coast, an area with a unique microclimate that enables the production of the first cherries from the northern hemisphere. The grower's confidence in cherry cultivation is clear from its plans to double the current acreage.
© Van Ooijen Citrus BV
As supply increases, the price level has dropped significantly. "The first Spanish cherries are really a bargain now, but we're able to supply some specialists who are eager for them. Three weeks ago, prices were around 75 euros per kilo; now they're down to about 35 euros per kilo," Lucien notes.
The hailstorm that hit Spain last weekend caused little damage to the cherry crop. "It mainly affected the apricot harvest, but the cherries came through well. Moreover, it has rained a lot this year, so we expect a good harvest overall."
© Van Ooijen Citrus BV
Lucien Ruiter
"Demand has been very strong in recent days, especially leading up to Easter," Lucien adds. Van Ooijen Citrus supplies cherries to Dutch exporters, who then ship them to markets such as the Middle East and Scandinavia. The cherries are sold under the Cherries Glamour brand, packaged in premium 1.5 kg boxes with six boxes per outer carton.
Although the name suggests otherwise, Van Ooijen Citrus has evolved into a true cherry specialist over the years. "We always start the season with cherries from Argentina, followed by a short gap before the Spanish cherries begin. We continue with Spanish supply until the Dutch season kicks off in mid-June, after which we transition to cherries from Moldova," Lucien concludes.
For more information:
Lucien Ruiter
Van Ooijen Citrus
Handelsweg 149
2988 DC Ridderkerk
Tel: + 31(0) 180 65 55 55
lucien@vanooijencitrus.nl
www.vanooijencitrus.nl