Belgian co-operative Veiling Hoogstraten hopes to increase its volumes of strawberries produced this season by 1,500 tonnes.
Account manager Dieter Vanstaen said that due to an increase in the amount of growers and rise in local production in Zundert, quantities will rise. He said: "The development of the plants has been very good, the quality and amount of flowers is reasonable.
“Glasshouse production of strawberries is approximately one week behind compared to last year, but the company is looking to build on last year's success."
The organisation is confident that it is well positioned for this season. "Our strawberries have a very good reputation and we have an excellent quality system that all our growers follow," he said.
"Our goal is to have all local production areas in good shape. The season will pose its greatest challenge when the market is not so demanding and then quality will become the main issue."
There are also hopes that a new variety could offer an alternative during certain times of the year. Vanstaen added: "New varieties are not yet replacing Elsanta, but we have a promising one called Sonata which could offer some advantages." l
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