Corry Hofs Willem Dijk apples Fruitmasters

Corry Hof of Willem Dijk AGF takes deliver of the Fruitmasters apples

Dutch fresh produce marketer Royal Fruitmasters has auctioned its first new-season Dutch appples at its headquarters in Geldermalsen, in the west of the Netherlands.

The yellow apples, grown by Zoelen-based grower Van den Berg, were purchased for €21 per kilo by forwarder Corry Hofs on behalf of supplier Willem Dijk AGF, which operates from its base in Enschede.

The €231 in proceeds were donated to Dutch child cancer charity KiKa and will benefit seven pediatric centres in the country.

Meanwhile, The Netherlands' apple and pear crop is set to be 'especially small' this year according to new forecast figures published by horticultural association Productschap Tuinbouw (PT).