The Criée de Wépion (Auction of Wépion) wants to attract new strawberry growers
Wépion strawberries are horticultural products that come from strawberry plantations near the village of Wépion (municipality of Namur) in Belgium. Apart from the fact that they are picked when fully ripe, the specific feature of the strawberries from the Criée de Wépion is that they are presented arranged in the same direction on the top of the punnet. In the evening following their harvest, the strawberries are sold by auction to wholesalers as well as retailers and supermarkets, which can then offer them for sale the very next morning.
The Criée de Wépion, an institution in Namur that has sadly faltered in recent years, has existed since 1960. In 2016 and 2017, the Criée's turnover fell by 40%. This was a result of the poor harvest caused by the unfavourable weather conditions. At a general assembly at the end of January, strawberry growers affiliated to the Criée de Wépion validated the plan for the new management team. They approved the financial plan presented by the Criée's sale's managers. By injecting €130,000 of capital, the cooperative's members hope to be able to improve its cashflow. Essential for continuing its activity. The first auction of the year is organised traditionally at the start of May in Wépion.