"Quiet leek market with satisfactory prices"

The leek market is relatively stable at the moment. Demand is not high, but there is also not very much supply, "Prices are good," says Geert Vilez who works at Demargro export company. "On November 5th leeks were around 40 cents. In recent weeks the price has been constant, between 40 and 50 cents."

In need of colder weather

Demargro exports almost 100% of their leeks, "Sales are not great. Currently, there is some supply going to Spain and some demand from France. The French are always careful to protect their market, so it is quite difficult there. We urgently need colder weather for the leeks." According to Geert, there is also competition from the Netherlands, "The price for leeks is cheaper there. On November 5th the price was around 30-35 cents."

Less supply than last year

Up until now prices have not been low, "The season for young leeks has been satisfactory for growers up until now. The growers do not have to do as much with the crops as they do when the weather is colder, so the costs are lower." Compared to last year the situation is very different, "There is a lot less volume this year. If I'm not mistaken, last year the price was a third of what it is now and we had more supply. Now the supply is between 180 and 220 tons on a market day. I expect the volume to increase next week or the week after. Then we will hope for colder weather, which we will need to boost consumption!"

For more information:
Geert Vilez
Demargro BVBA
Tombrugstraat 11
8850 Ardooie, België
Tel: +32 (0)51 74 70 75
Fax:+32 51 74 58 11
www.demargro.be