The first sprouts were supplied to the REO auctions at the end of August, but these were very small volumes. The season started a little later than usual due to the wet weather in August. The supply was higher in September, 86 tonnes. As of this week the volumes will really increase," says commercial director Dominiek Keersebilck. "The growing conditions in September weren't really conducive due to the warmer weather. This also has a slightly negative effect on the consumption."
Market conformed
The real sprout time will soon come. "It has been gorgeous weather over the last few weeks, but it was already slightly colder this week. As far as prices are concerned, the +33 sprouts are around 70 cents this week, but the prices are quite varied at the moment. This conforms to the market for October. In September the price formation was more difficult due to the weather conditions." Dominiek says that West Flanders is an important sprout region, for the frozen industry too. "This sector takes large volumes of small sprouts, as the largest sprouts are better suited to the fresh market. This means that supply and demand in sprouts depends both on the fresh market and the frozen industry. But our companies can switch quickly from supplying one market to the other. Depending on the demand, they can supply to processing just like that, both markets complement each other."
Differentiation
The main buyer of sprouts is, after the domestic market, France. Over half of our export has gone to that country in recent years. The second market is Germany, and the third is the Netherlands." Last year he said that REO was being innovative in the area of sprouts. "We continue to differentiate ourselves. There are large volumes of mechanically cleaned sprouts that mainly go to packagers in the various countries. We also offer hand cleaned sprouts, which often leave in punnets. The price of this type is higher, due to the specific labour. A similar product can also be offered in a slightly more expensive packaging. Growers are also cooperating in extending the packaging possibilities and we can offer large volumes in flowpack, besides traditional packaging and in bulk. We are open to all questions."
French products
The sprout area is quite stable, with around 2,000 hectares of cultivation in our region. "But this region is expanding. West Flemish growers are growing their products just over the border in France. As of this year we have been working to put that product in the French market as a product of French origin. The French consumer tends to chose a product grown locally. We're following our producers over the border."
Dominiek Keersebilck
Never substitute quality
Dominiek concludes: "In some products, I'm thinking of leek and chicory, but also a few others, the price formation isn't good this year and the growers can feel it. As REO Auction, we market over 60 products, so we also have products that have been doing well. But I believe it remains important to never substitute quality and innovation in difficult market conditions. From the REO Auction we have to continue to work on a better product, with out producer, that we can bring to the customer in a better way. This remains the goal, and includes sprouts!"
For more information:
Dominiek Keersebilck
REO Veiling
Oostnieuwkerksesteenweg 101
B-8800 Roeselare
Tel: +32-51231206
Fax: +32-51231289
www.reo.be
info@reo.be