Dutch fruit sector faces supply chain shifts and market volatility

The Dutch fruit sector is navigating shifts in supply chain control and market volatility. Berrybrothers, a family-owned soft fruit company, has expanded from cultivation in the Betuwe to managing the entire chain, including sorting, packaging, and sales. Co-owners Nijs and Teun van Zuilen emphasize that while they maintain full control to ensure year-round service and quality, the sector faces increasing pressure from labor, climate change, and evolving regulations.

Simultaneously, the mango market is experiencing downward price pressure due to a combination of rising supply and weakening demand. Joep Jongmans of Special Fruit notes that while demand was high during the summer, it is now declining as consumers return from holidays and school begins. This cooling demand coincides with increased availability from Israel, Egypt, Spain, and Brazil, creating a fragile market environment despite high-quality yields from Brazil.