"More work for fewer leeks"

The recent frost episodes caused quite a bit of damage to the leeks. "We always try to minimise the damage by covering the leeks with a foil sheet. This ensures that the frost does not wipe out the leeks completely. When the leeks are not covered up, it results in the leeks collapsing, which turn completely white. Let's not even mention the rot and blemishes that develop in the centre of the leeks", says Gijs van den Oever of the Dutch vegetable processing company, Van den Elzen Groenteverwerking. Gijs expects that, in the short term, more shortages will develop in the market. "This week, for the first time this year, short leeks are being offered at auction. This is an indication that there are problems. Since the leeks are no longer growing new leaves, they get cut shorter than usual."

Gijs van den Oever and Paul van den Elzen. Archive photo

So far, the leek season has not been the best, when it comes to prices. "It has been a tough year. Leeks have come to market at dump prices. When you are getting these prices, you do not want to cultivate leeks. I have heard, and also expect, that many growers are going to stop. It is still unknown how the rest of the season is going to develop. Regrowing the leeks is going to take longer again because of the frost we are experiencing at the moment."

Leeks have a broad sales market. "It is a diverse product which you also notice in our wide range of clients. We are looking for partners with whom can build a future together. We are looking for this in the domestic and foreign markets; in both the fresh market as well as the industry. We have noticed that buyers are also increasingly looking for this. They want a reliable partner with whom they can put a uniform product on the market on a continuous basis. Combined with the new way of cutting with water, they will also have an advantage when it comes to shelf life. Buying on the free market at the lowest prices means more risks for these clients."

By making deliberate, focused choices, Van den Elzen Groenteverwerking distinguishes itself from fellow farmers in the market. Last year, they invested in four water cutters. "In this way, we can prevent quality issues. We are the only ones in the Netherlands to offer this. The water cutter ensures a perfectly straight, hygienic cutting surface. This, in turn, ensures a longer shelf life, both during transportation and in the shop. This is a big advantage for our clients", concludes Gijs.

For more information:
Van den Elzen Groenteverwerking
21 Duifhuizerweg
5406 TB Uden
Tel: +31 (0) 413 782 999
Mob: +31 (0) 627 050 202 (Gijs)
Mob: +31 (0) 654 795 196 (Paul)
info@elzengroentenverwerking.nl
www.prei.nl