“Within about ten days, the supply of Belgian greenhouse tomatoes will become available,” says Benny Cuypers, Division Head of Sales for BelOrta. “The start of the greenhouse tomato season was difficult, because production from Spain and Morocco was still readily available. Prices were under quite a bit of pressure as a result. Qualitatively it is fine, but prices are still mediocre. The season of Spanish and Moroccan tomatoes will soon be over, and weather always plays a major part in sales as well.”
Bell peppers
Greenhouse bell peppers also had a tricky start this season. “Large productions were started quite soon in the month of March, but prices were sub-par due to much competition from Spanish bell peppers. Prices improved in the past ten days, yet supply of Spanish bell peppers will be available for a while,” Benny says. Quality of the greenhouse bell peppers will once again be good this season, which is because the bell pepper plants in the greenhouses are still young.
Cucumbers
“Up till now we’ve had a satisfying greenhouse cucumber season. Prices fluctuated for a bit, but in the end, prices were fine, albeit not great. Supply of Belgian greenhouse cucumbers is large, but this is normal for the time of year,” Benny explains. Compared to last year, some production was lost. Some growers stopped or switched to other products in part because last year wasn’t a good season for greenhouse cucumber growers. The decrease in acreage amounts to about 10 per cent.
Aubergines
The Belgian greenhouse aubergine acreage was expanded by about 20 per cent this year. However, the start of the aubergine season was difficult because of competition from southern countries. “Much has improved in recent weeks, and the situation is now normal for the time of year. Prices can also be called good again. At the start of the season, prices were very low, but prices started rising early in April.” It’s difficult to make predictions for the rest of the season. “We’ll have to wait for the large productions of June and July, these will mostly decide the season,” Benny concludes.
For more information:
Benny Cuypers
BelOrta
Mechelsesteenweg 120
B-2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
+32 (0)155 655 291