"The demand for leeks is not exactly explosive at the moment. A little bit is supplied to different markets, both in Eastern and Southern European countries. The supply has been considerably reduced compared to last week. Prices currently stand at a normal level. They were much higher when it was freezing, reaching up to two Euro," summarises Pol Dendauw, of the exporter Calsa.
Fewer leeks per hectare
A major reason for the smaller supply is the damage that the leeks have suffered. "It consequently takes a little longer to obtain the same volume. Moreover, the seasons have been shifted for most producers compared to "normal" years and the yield per hectare has been much lower than usual. This has to do with the fact that we had a wet spring, so everyone delayed the planting for several weeks. Afterwards came a dry summer, which resulted in a lower yield per hectare, down by 25 or even 30% compared to other years."
2 Euro per kilo
Hence the high prices on the clock auction. "I think it's better for the producer to have 25 to 30% fewer kilos and good prices than a much greater harvest and lower prices. They certainly have no reason to complain this season. Leek growers are having a very good year." The exception was the 2 Euro per kilo reached on the clock auction, "but that was only for one day. For ten days, producers have received 1.30 to 1.40 Euro per kilo. Prices have been really good since the New Year." No further price increases are expected. "For now, the weather has been forecast to be pretty mild. From the end of next week, there is a chance for night frosts. I expect prices will then stabilise at around 1 Euro. This is a normal level and I do not expect them to fall any further," he concludes.
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