"We have noticed that Spanish products are staying on the market for longer this year. The situation was completely different last year. This was due to the weather conditions. Now we see Spanish produce on the shelves up to 14, 15 and even 16. This is a hindrance for the Dutch products", continues Ton. "You can see with, among other items, sweet peppers. The Dutch products are not used in the flowpacks. Retailers keep with the Spanish products for a long time."
"In reality, it is going to be a difficult year for Dutch tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and aubergines. This is if the weather stays nice in the neighbouring countries. This is especially the case in daily and weekly traded products. The consignments that have set prices will probably fare better. You see this more with tomatoes and, on the British market, with bell peppers and cucumbers. This was what happened in the end last year too."
What can be done to revive the situation? "We all took business economics", laughs Ton."Supply and demand largely determine the market situation. We are also hoping to get consumers to eat more fruit and vegetables. There is a lot of focus on this. Things are looking positive as was shown by the interest during, for example, 'Kom in de Kas' (Come inside the Greenhouse). Hopefully, this will eventually lead to more satisfactory prices."