The export of Dutch fruit and vegetables rose 17% over the first five months of this year, according to new figures from the market gardening marketing board.

The sale of pears was up 77% to a record 121,000 tonnes, of which 60,000 tonnes went to Russia, the marketing board said. The export of tomatoes was up 22% and bell peppers 17%.
But iceberg lettuce sales were down 11% and strawberries 18%, due to the late start to the season.