"The dry, hot weather has led to a shortage of many products. There is very little supply of leeks. This has resulted in extremely high prices for this time of year", says Guy De Meyer of Belgian wholesaler, Demargro. On Monday, the price for class 3 and 4 Flandria leeks was between €1,20 and €1,25 per kg. These prices are more than double those of last year. "It is difficult to sell large quantities of leeks beforehand as there is simply too little product. We do not know how much is available. This uncertainty makes trading difficult."
Strawberries
Is not only leek supplies that are low - there is also limited availability of cauliflower and chicory. "Cauliflower was practically being given away four weeks ago. Now the prices and demand are very high. The price for chicory was also at the €2,50/€2,60 per kg-mark on Monday. This is very high", according to Guy. The hot weather means the strawberry plants yielded a lot of fruit. There is only a slight shortage of strawberries in the whole of Europe. "Prices for nice, well-sized strawberries is more than €5,- €5,20 per 500g tray. EUR10 for a kg of strawberries has become almost unaffordable."
Greenhouse vegetables
After a problematic greenhouse vegetable season, prices are slowly climbing. "Cucumbers have been very expensive for about two weeks now. Last week they were priced at more than EUR1. Yellow bell peppers have also become quite pricey due to the low supply. You pay about EUR3 for a kg now. As a trader, you need to be alert in this kind of situation. Working with programmes can also cause difficulties", concludes De Meyer.
For more information:
Guy de Meyer
Demargro
11 Tombrugstraat
8850 Ardooie