The Dutch fresh garlic season started once again at Biesheuvel Knoflook at the end of June. "We've had a good start. Due to the late spring, the garlic grew steadily. This means we haven't got a top yield, but do have good quality," says Arjan Biesheuvel. He estimates the Dutch garlic area to be around the same level as last year. The cultivation company from Slootdorp supplies Dutch exporters and supermarkets with fresh garlic through Best of Four.
"At the moment the sales are quite calm, but this is usually the case in the summer holidays. The season did start a lot quicker. There were some problems with the cultivation in Egypt and southern Europe and this means a smooth switch to the Dutch season. We had more price pressure last year," says the grower. "Garlic goes to countless European countries via our customers, and we're also trying to enter new markets."
According to Arjan the sales have been increasing over the years. "We're actively promoting the fresh garlic in the Netherlands. It's ridiculous that 90% of the garlic in Dutch supermarkets is from China, despite there being Dutch produce available. I supply some customers all year round through direct import from Zimbabwe, Argentina, Egypt and southern Europe."
To compliment the fresh garlic, Biesheuvel has brought countless other garlic products onto the market over the last few years, such as garlic mayo, garlic ketchup, aioli garlic cream soup, garlic cheese and chopped garlic in different variations. "We get good responses from the market for this. We have had a product developer employed for six months now, so more fun introductions will soon follow," promises Arjan.
For more information:
Biesheuvel Knoflook
1774 NL Slootdorp
Tel: +31 (0) 227-656225
info@biesheuvelknoflook.nl
www.biesheuvelknoflook.nl