You can see it in the market prices: there’s a shortage of leeks, and it’ll last for a while longer. Leek prices rose from 80 cent to 1 euro in the past week, and on Monday, REO Veiling reported prices of 1.20 euro. “Prices on the free market have been at a high level for a while now, 5 to 6 times higher than last year,” says Kees Jansen of Dutch production and packing company Teelt- en Verpakkingsbedrijf Gebroeders Jansen.
“Due to the extreme weather circumstances there’s less supply than usual, and the leek’s affected by thrips as well. Autumn and winter fields are about 2 to 3 weeks behind in growth. A lot of growers still have to supply to meet contractual obligations. Fields are cleared earlier than usual, which means fewer kilos are available for the free market.”
Considering the speed with which the leek fields are being harvested, it remains to be seen whether the leeks can gain some kilos by having a growth spurt. “If it rains and temperatures remain around 20 degrees Celsius, it could all turn out fine,” Kees says.
Teelt-en verpakkingsbedrijf Gebroeders Jansen B.V.
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