Boudewijn van der Wal, Dutch Berries (Netherlands):

“Easter is always an important reference point in the strawberry market to kick off the Dutch season,” explains Boudewijn van der Wal of Dutch Berries. “We are currently starting the Elsanta season, which used to be the standard variety. But we have already harvested several weeks of everbearing varieties and have been able to serve customers, especially in Norway.”

© Arlette Sijmonsma | FreshPlaza.fr

The producer considers the increase in everbearing varieties to be a major advantage. “This allows us to produce much more steadily and therefore offer retailers better programs with a reliable product. We will always have additional productions in April and May, but otherwise, strawberry cultivation really becomes a year-round process that allows us to deliver continuously. The more regular patterns allow us to supply the market with larger volumes. Thanks to optimal growing conditions, we are able to produce throughout the year.”

In terms of challenges, it is mainly the rising energy prices that concern van der Wal. “If the situation continues, winter cultivation will be much more difficult, as the cost price is increasing rapidly.”

This season, van der Wal’s expectations are good. This season, the area of Dutch Berries dedicated to greenhouse strawberries has increased to 40 hectares. “We mainly focus on optimizing crops, as the energy transition requires all the necessary attention. Personally, I think there is room for growth in greenhouse production, even though history shows that if too many are planted at once, it immediately puts pressure on prices.”

For more information:
Boudewijn van der Wal
Dutch Berries
[email protected]
www.dutch-berries.com