It's spring and the demand for domestic vegetables is starting to pull up. "You notice the interest in fresh vegetables grown locally is increasing. The approach of Easter also has a positive influence. The atmosphere is optimistic," says Robert van Ooijen. "We're now between seasons and more people are switching." He is a commissioner and supplies Belgian fruits and vegetables to Dutch customers every day.
Tomatoes
"The tomato season is starting to get going. it's not quite in full swing, but you can see a decrease in Spanish and an increase in Belgian and Dutch. There are now some more meat tomatoes on the market, the demand is good and good prices are being made. Around 1.60 to 1.70 is being given at auction for the meat tomatoes and the round ones are around 1.30. These are quite normal prices for this time of the year.
Lettuce varieties
"When it comes to the special lettuce varieties, the whole of winter has been good really," says Robert. Lollo Rosso, Lollo Bionda and Oak Leaf lettuce, they're all there. As well as this they are well paid for, from 70 to 80 cents per head. For growers with these lettuce varieties, the last few months certainly haven't been bad."
Cucumbers
The cucumber market is on the rise again. "They have become a lot more expensive over the last few days. It's good luck for the growers, as the prices were quite depressing at one point. There were too many, and the prices were even under 10 cents. Now 35 to 40 cents is given for them. The expectation is that the prices will remain like this and may even become more expensive. There is also a bit less supply now and the demand is increasing."
Pepper
Peppers are also doing well. "The yellow and red in particular have good prices. At the start of this week the yellow were between 2 and 2.50 per kilo. Red is also receiving around 2 Euro. This is good for growers.
Van Ooijen is looking forward to the new season. "Customers are enthusiastic about the new supply. Most are fed up with the Spanish product." He expects a trickling year. "We certainly notice the effects of the Russia embargo, but are hoping the demand will remain good."
For more information:
Robert van Ooijen
Groenten en fruit import van Ooijen BV
tel: +31180420215
fax: +31180428228
mob: +31651545998
robert@vanooijenbv.nl
www.vanooijenbv.nl
For more information:
Robert van Ooijen
Groenten en fruit import van Ooijen BV
tel: +31180420215
fax: +31180428228
mob: +31651545998
robert@vanooijenbv.nl
www.vanooijenbv.nl