Growth in cultivation in West Flanders: more than 30 million cucumbers expected
Cucumbers: First of millions land at REO Auction
Nico Perneel from Oostnieuwkerke
Winter has hardly reached Flanders and there is already a hint of Spring in the air at REO Auction in Roeselare. Last Friday, 10 January 2014, herald the starting point for Spring crop sales in The Netherlands. These first Belgian cucumbers were produced and delivered to REO Auction by Nico Perneel in West Flanders. His dynamic family business is annually one of the first to provide Belgian cucumbers. "We grow cucumbers in just over 6 acres of greenhouse and manage three growth cycles within different sections from January to November. Our first cucumbers were planted in December last year and we always start at this time as it just fits into our business," explained Nico.
Quality cucumbers
The REO producer delivered a box of 14 cucumbers with +300 Flandria quality a day later than the previous year. Nico said: "Normally, in the summer, there are 17 to 20 days between planting and harvesting. In the winter it normally takes one month and a few days. This year it took exactly one month. We did not do anything special, but there was more light than usual. Cucumbers enjoy clear weather and there has been plenty of that in the last month and few continually overcast days. These cucumbers were also planted in lovely December sun."
"The cucumbers were classically grown using our sustainable standard cultivation technique. We hang protective screens which keep the heat inside. These screens not only ensure less energy cost but also provide a better growing climate for the cucumbers leading to a fuller flavour and a higher Flandria quality. This was clearly seen in the 14 we brought in. They all had a lovely sheen and a fresh green colour."
12.72 each
Tinos Fruit from Westkapelle bought a box of 14 quality Belgian cucumbers at an auction price of €12.72 each. Tinos Fruit also bought the first cucumbers at the REO Auction last year, and at the end of last year the first sale of Poperinse hop shoots at REO Auction. "We serve customers who are specifically looking for local specialities and exclusives on the fresh market," explained manager Geert Baecke. "The cucumbers we've purchased are destined for the restaurant trade. We bought the last goods for sale last year and the first of this new year from REO Auction. We will continue to buy quality domestic product as long as it continues and we are very satisfied."
Further cultivation growth in West Flanders
The expansion in cucumber cultivation in West Flanders has made this region a leader in sales of this product to Belgium and the European food market. In 2013 around 28 million cucumbers were sold, which has more than doubled in the last six years:
2008: 11,529,649 pieces for € 2,700,521.81 (10th place in the total annual turnover of REO Auction)
2013: 28,585,974 pieces for € 8,922,314.87 (7th place in the total annual turnover of REO Auction)
For more information:
REO Veiling
Oostnieuwkerksesteenweg 101
B-8800 Roeselare
Tel: +32-51231206
Fax: +32-51231289
www.reo.be
[email protected]
