Well-Pict European Northern

The Northern autumn/winter season has been relatively successful. The yield for most of the growers has been good. Yields of over 4 kilo per metre square are not an exception. However, some grower who planted before the heat spell in August did not reach such yields. Some plants are exposed to dramatic temperature differences from the cold store environment to the glass house, with temperateures over 30 degrees celcius some plants were damaged.

During the whole production period we have seen relatively low brix levels partly given by the fact the yields were high and the light levels low. Despite the low brix levels the eating quality was good. The production was relatively even throughout the entire season, unlike most years where we have seen significant peaks in production. Quality was maintained throughout the whole season, although the autumn seasons low light levels produced less firm fruit, but this has not caused any major problems. Prices have been lower than the past few years, partly caused by a long ever bearer season in the UK and good even production in Northern Europe. The drop in price over the peak season in 2001 did not just repeat itself in 2003. prices developed evenly towards Christmas with only a few days of extreme pricing, just before Christmas, caused by production problems in the Middle East and high demand in Northern Europe, especially Scandinavia.

At the beginning of January the crops are already looking good, cold point have paved the way for a good and early spring production.

Spring 2003