The asparagus season started a few weeks ago: “We have noticed that prices are currently decreasing. This is because cultivators focus more and more on the early season, and production therefore increases sooner. However, the consumer isn’t yet ready for the season, which is why the prices are already decreasing. A few weeks ago we were at 13 euro, and now we are already at 9 euro,” says Eddy van Hoof of VHL Bvba.
Earlier and earlier
“The asparagus season is becoming more and more forced. For some years now, producers have been starting greenhouse production earlier and earlier, under tunnels or with the help of heating tubes. Outdoor cultivations under plastic tunnels are also well underway. They currently are already about 10 centimetres under the surface. We will supply greenhouse asparagus for about another month, and then we’ll start offering outdoor product as well.”
Easter and asparagus
Easter is on 16 April this year. “Every restauranteur wants asparagus on the menu for Easter. I expect we will have enough, although the holiday is early this year. It is noticeable that catering companies are currently a bit scared of putting asparagus on the menu, because the weather is not quite sunny. But apparently that would not make much matter for Easter, they are just eaten then.”
Almost 100 years
VHI was founded almost 100 years ago by Eddy and Jef’s grandfather. “Besides asparagus, we also supply Spanish vegetables, including iceberg lettuce. Iceberg lettuce has made huge leaps up to 20 euro per box. That currently dropped down to a regular price of 5/6 euro. We supply Spanish for about two more months, until the Dutch season starts again.” For more information:
VHL BVBA
Werkhuizen kaai 22-24
1000 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 476 414 858 (Jef Van Hoof)
Tel: +32 475 980 938 (Eddy Van Hoof)
bvbavhl@gmail.com
jef-van-hoof7@hotmail.com