BFV reports record sales of more than 2 million kg cherries

The cherry season 2018 is coming to an end. At the Belgian Fruit Valley, a record supply of more than 2 million kg of cherries was recorded. The weather conditions were ideal this season. The dry and sunny weather ensured excellent quality as we have not seen for several years. The graph below shows the cherry supply at the BFV from 2000 up to 2018.

Thanks to this record supply in combination with the state-of-the-art electronic sorting with hydrocooling, the wholesale can offer top quality cherries from Belgian soil to consumers and at the same time limit the import of foreign cherries to an absolute minimum. Thanks to the BFV media campaign, 80% of the sales were realized domestically. Export opportunities for cherries were more limited this season because, due to the good weather throughout Europe, other cherry regions came into production simultaneously. As a result, prices were unfortunately under pressure.

The BFV is fully committed to a professional cherry cultivation with attractive, firm and tasty varieties that have a very good shelf life (Samba, Kordia, Regina, Sweetheart). The acreage of these varieties has therefore risen sharply. More and more cherry growers are also opting for protected cherry cultivation (rain coverings with irrigation), which in turn is an important asset to be able to offer continuity in supply to the market. The Belgian cherry acreage has increased to more than 1000 ha in recent years. Since 2010, 400 ha has been added.

For more information, contact Marc Evrard, Commercial Director BFV – marc.evrard@bfv.be

The Belgische Fruitveiling (BFV – Belgian Fruit Valley) is the largest Belgian organization of fruit growers, with a domestic market share of +/- 50%. The cooperative counts 1200 members. The headquarters is located in Sint-Truiden, in the middle of one of Europe’s most important fruit regions. The BFV also has divisions in Hageland, Glabbeek (supply, shipment, cold storage), Zoutleeuw (computer controlled pre-sorting, cold storage) in Waasland in Vrasene (supply, shipment, cold storage) and in Wallonia in Hannuit (cold storage). The main products are apples, pears, strawberries and cherries. In addition, the BFV also sells a range of domestic berries. Our professional brand policy adds value to the fruit. The very best fruit is marketed under the label TRUVAL and very good constant quality under the brand SIRA.