"Fennel season had bad start, now there's good demand"

The Dutch fennel season has been very varied, says Joop Litjens. The growers have developed into the largest fennel grower in the Netherlands, with an area of 50 hectares and a volume of over 1,000 tonnes. "We had a bad start, with reasonable yields but bad prices and bulkhead problems. When there was a little less supply the price went up, after which a second heat period followed with all its problems."

"All in all it hasn't been easy. Last week 120 mm of rain fell and a few plots are under water. The yields are now far behind other years, but the demand now looks a lot better. The prices are at a good level of around 1 Euro and there is a lot of demand. Prior to the season I was a bit nervous about the market due to the area expansion that happened, but if we hold on to this level until the end of the season, I will be very satisfied," says Joop.

The fennel season traditionally runs until mid November. The fennel is sold by Fossa Eugenia to the food industry, wholesale and retail. Three quarters of the volume of our fennel finds its way to the domestic market. England and Scandinavia are the largest export destination. Mini fennel is also grown to order.

For more information:
Litjens Venkel
info@litjensvenkel.nl
www.litjensvenkel.nl

For sales information:
Fossa Eugenia
T. +31(0)883 210 210
F.+31(0)883 210 211
info@fossaeugenia.com
www.fossaeugenia.com