Consumers should prepare for smaller and more expensive fruit this September when the new harvest reaches stores. According to John Kusters, chairman of the Dutch Fruit Growers Organisation (NFO), drought across Europe is significantly reducing yields and pushing prices upward.
“The smaller European harvest is having a price‑driving effect”, Kusters explains. Despite the reduced size, he notes that fruit quality remains high thanks to the extended hours of sunshine. “Because of the sunshine, sugar levels are already high. As a result, tasty fruit can be consumed. However, there has been a lot of hail, causing some cosmetic damage. Consumers can help growers by also buying apples and pears with blemishes”.
Growers are struggling to keep crops cool and sufficiently watered during the prolonged drought. “If they can no longer be cooled, the skin burns. What you are left with is an unsaleable product”, Kusters says. Since fruit growers only sell their harvest once a year, the impact is severe. “It will be a dramatic year for those affected”.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
