The vegetable shortage of a few weeks ago already seems forgotten. Volume from Spain has increased by now, and there is sufficient volume of many products again. “Although leafy vegetables and the special types of lettuce still do not have an oversupply,” says one Belgian trader. “Prices for lollo Rossa and lollo Bionda were around 1.20 to 1.30 on 20 February but the price for butterhead lettuce has dropped to 50/60 cent.”
According to him, many Belgian vegetables are at a good level as regards price. “Leek is doing fine, and is even sold at auction for up to 80 cent. It has been years since such high prices were even mentioned for leeks around this time of year. Chicory is selling at 80 cent to 1 euro.”
Cucumbers
Cucumbers did well until Friday 17 February. “Cucumber prices dropped significantly on the 20th. On Friday, the 400-gramme cucumbers were still selling for 95 cent, but on the 20th they were 70 cent. The 350-gramme cucumbers were selling for 80 cent on Friday, and 45 cent on the 20th. And the smallest cucumbers of 300 grammes dropped from 45 to 28 cent.”
The tomato prices have not been complained about for a while either. “Vine tomatoes are selling at 1.45 to 1.50, and loose tomatoes sold at 1.20 to 1.25 on 20 February.” According to the trader, prices for aubergines are low for the time of year. “They are selling at 1 to 1.10 euro.”
Transitional phase
The volume of Belgian vegetables increases weekly. “Many are currently in a transitional phase, but Spanish product is more widely available. I think that many retailers will switch to domestic cucumbers this week. It is expected that bell peppers will also be started this week. Those will arrive on a good market: Spanish bell peppers are currently selling at 2 euro. And that is a very good price for this period.”