Trade at Exofi in Brussels is fairly calm according to Jan Vermeiren. “We are, of course, between two seasons currently, and besides, we still feel the effects of the attacks. We can tell from the economic situation and it is costing billions of Euro. Less hotel bookings are being made in Brussels. When people aren't staying at hotels, there is also less food consumption and that definitely has an influence on the fresh produce sector. And certain products arrive later, because Zaventem Airport is still not working at full capacity.”
High prices
“Products that are doing well at the moment are green beans, legumes and asparagus. Certain exotics are also fairly high-priced. For example, pineapples are hard to come by and expensive. Mangos are also costly. The Peruvian season is over and in the Ivory Coast harvesting starts this week.”
Vermeiren indicates avocados are still expensive. “Prices are between 14 and 18 Euro, depending on strain, quality and ripening. Hass avocados are still popular. Yet we notice the influence of the price range. Some buyers will pass it by if the product is too expensive. We currently have Fuerte from Peru and Hass from Mexico. It does not appear as if larger volumes will arrive presently.”
For more information:
Jan Vermeiren
Exofi Fresh Market BVBA
Werkhuizenkaai 112, mag.25-26
B-100 Brussel
Tel: +32 2 243.12.49
GSM: + 32 475 86.09.80
info@exofi.be
www.exofi.be