So far peppers are doing well. "The production is getting going on time and the prices are at a fine level," says Bruno Vuerinckx of BelOrta. "One of the high points was last week. At peak moment the red pepper was clocked at almost 3.5 Euro and the yellow was above 3 Euro.
Small packagers
"Two days ago (4 April) the price for red was around 3 Euro per kilo. Especially the smaller sizes, +85 and +75, are going well. They are frequently bought by small packagers, who use them in scales or traffic lights. You can say that they make the pepper price in Belgium."
"The green peppers are cheaper and around 1.50 is given for this colour. There is a dip in supply for yellow. The first hurdle has been passed and the second is coming. This means there is minimal supply at the moment. The price for yellow is between 2.5 and 3 Euro."
He indicates that growers are satisfied with the start of the season. "We haven't been bothered much by the south. They were at the end of their season and there was a big difference in quality. Many retailers and traders then choose the young fresh cultivation." Bruno believes the coming time will be positive for this vegetable. "The tone has been set and if we get another barbecue summer, I predict few problems for this pepper season."