Netherlands launches early sugar corn and Xenia pear harvests

Hermans Suikermaïs reported that the Dutch sugar‑corn season began this week, a full week earlier than the previous year. Grower Giel Hermans said the unusually warm, dry weather allows extended irrigation and promises strong demand, with supermarkets planning promotions and an open field day scheduled for 13 September.

Xenia Europe said the Dutch‑Belgian Xenia‑pear season closed in early June after a successful harvest on about 420 ha, yielding roughly 25 million kg. The company highlighted expanding sales in Germany, Portugal, Greece and China, and noted the first plantings in South Africa, aiming to have Xenia pears available year‑round in European shelves by 2030. Raymond van Ojen remarked, “In 2030 we expect to offer Xenia pears throughout the year.”