The French strawberry season, in full swing at the beginning of May, has just passed its biggest production peak. "Many production areas are now in the harvesting period. With the sunny weather and warm temperatures last week, we had very large volumes of round strawberries, and we will have more this week. But the big production peak, for both round and Gariguette strawberries (in week 15), is now over," explains Emeline Vanespen, director of Strawberries Raspberries of France.
Smooth sales thanks to the work of operators
Although the record weeks of the season are now behind for many producers, large volumes are still expected over the next few weeks. "Some production areas will continue to ramp up throughout May. So far, the volumes have been absorbed with some effort. But the strawberry sector is well structured, with efficient commercial operators and retail chains that are playing the game by promoting their products at the right time. Sales have therefore remained fluid overall, despite the May 1st public holiday in France."
A positive campaign so far on several fronts
So far, the trend has been positive, thanks to high levels of consumption supported by radio campaigns financed by the Strawberries Raspberries of France association of producers. Competition is also less aggressive this year. "The start of the French season is often rivalled by Spanish strawberries, which are in full production in March/April. But this year, with the quality and volume problems in Spain due to weather disruptions, French strawberries were able to find their place fairly quickly on the shelves. In May, French production supplies 70% of the French market. So far, prices have been quite good, even better for long strawberries. With the arrival of strawberries in open fields, quality is often more heterogeneous, so prices are more variable, but overall, this first part of the season has been positive, whether in terms of yield, consumption, prices, or quality."
National production expected to reach 60,000 tons
Once again this year, around 60,000 tons of strawberries are expected to be produced in France, with national consumption reaching 120,000 tons. "Generally speaking, the development of strawberry production in France is quite positive. We are lucky, because the strawberry sector is dynamic and well-structured. For the last 10 years, we have been gaining in self-sufficiency, increasing our production area every year."
For more information:
Fraises Framboises de France
Agropôle - Bâtiment Agrotec - BP 222
47931 Agen
Phone: +33 (0) 5 53 77 24 48
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