“We are actually all waiting for Trump”

At the start of the year it is especially quiet and calm, according to Jos Koedooder from Koedooder & Zn Handel My. That is firstly due to the time of year. The beginning of January is usually calm because the factories are not open yet. But more has to happen for trade to start up again, according to him. The weather, the trade boycott with Russia, and the entire European market are the reason it is this calm currently.

“There is no demand for any article,” Jos emphasises. “Carrots are dramatic. They are almost unsellable, and prices are very low, 8 to 10 cent. White cabbage is also doing badly. Red ones are slightly better, because they are growing less well, and therefore have smaller supplies. Beetroots are doing all right, because of the smaller supply, but it is still difficult.”

As regards Europe, there is plenty of supply of cabbage, carrot and beetroot, Jos has noticed. The current mild weather is not helpful in decreasing those volumes. Jos: “Poland is still filled to the brim, and they are also trying to find sales on the Western European market. And what is the weather doing? This cannot be called winter. As soon as it becomes colder, prices could start recovering a bit.”

Jos is anxiously awaiting Donald Trump’s inauguration as president of the US on 20 January. “We are actually all waiting for this man. Stop fighting with Russia, and things will be better. Politics is going to play its part in the coming time. When Russia enters the market again, we will see a complete change in the way we trade.” Jos hears the same from colleagues as well. “Absolutely, they all think the exact same thing.”

Koedooder & Zn BV Handel My occupies itself with cultivation, global trade, logistics and quality controls of fresh and processed agricultural products, especially beetroot, red and white cabbage and carrot. The Koedooder family started its trade activities in the year 1900. The relationship with buyers is based on flexibility, cost control and trust. Although the start of the year is calm, Jos looks back on a fair 2016. “Last year was very good, we were able to make a good profit. We cannot complain at all,” he concludes.