Summer to winter

Strawberries are available 365 days a year. The method of growing strawberries varies: assimilation lighting in the winter, heated greenhouses, plastic tunnels, open air, etc. But great flavour and high quality are constant.

The colour and distinctive taste of our strawberries are different for every variety, but they are always shiny red, smooth and juicy. The main variety is still Elsanta (85%). Elsanta definitely dominates the range, but is certainly not the only variety we offer. Other varieties such as Clery and Sonata are on the rise as fully-fledged alternatives.

• Elsanta: Red and tasty. The main variety of Hoogstraten strawberries.
• Sonata: Fresh red, round and sweet. Perfect for enlighted crop in winter and very successful in spring.
• Clery: Red and slim. The perfect season opener.

New varieties (such as Murano, Capri) are tested under the supervision of Hoogstraten Research centre every year. These variaties are, depending on their growing and blooming cycle, sold as evera ( everbearers such as Murano and Florentina) or Verano (junebearers such as Malling Centenary).

Quality: categories

Hoogstraten finest quality strawberries are classified in 4 categories: GOLD, Double Extra (EE), Extra (E) and Extra Direct (ED). This classification is based on the strawberries’ external characteristics. Category overview:

GOLD

• Special packaging (GOLD box) with insert
• Offered for grades 4A to A

EE

• Standard packaging with sticker
• Possible for all grades

E

• Main quality type for Hoogstraten strawberries and the basis of our daily offer
• Stands for excellent strawberries: a good shape, attractive presentation and a beautiful colour

ED

• External quality similar to Extra
• Slightly less firm and therefore less suitable for remote export destinations
• Extra sweet (brix content larger than 8 - late harvest)

Lots that do not meet the extra quality standards are categorised as quality 1, 2 or 3