Cabbage prices have been on an upward trend since June. In recent weeks these prices have risen even faster. "The high demand has created quite a mood in the market. At the moment, shortages are causing prices to climb. These shortages are a result of harvesting activities. The weather conditions are very good. All the farmers are taking this opportunity to harvest cabbages which are meant to be stored", says Gerard Breed of Dutch produce wholesaler, J.H Wagenaar.
"A consequence of this is that there are less readily-available volumes. Cabbages are in short supply. The market situation does not currently reflect this. This will only occur in a few months from now. At the moment, the whole of Europe is on the market for cabbages. The UK is mainly looking for smaller sizes. Germany is on the hunt for cabbages of larger sizes."
The current prices are primarily based on estimates. This is because it is still unclear what the eventual yields for the 2018-2019 season will be. "If weather conditions remain favourable, the cabbage will continue growing. Harvesting will be completed in December. Only then, will it become known how much stock there will be", says Gerard.
"Everything is pointing to the fact that there will be far fewer cabbages on the market. There may even be shortages. The acreage used to grow cabbage in the Netherlands has shrunk considerably. Compared to last season, indications are that 20% fewer of these vegetables have been planted. However, lower yields are also being expected in Poland. This country has become a formidable competitor in recent years", continues Gerard.
Buyers, therefore, want to conclude all their contracts now already. Growers are prepared to wait. The same thing is currently happening with celeriac. The question is whether the speculations will lead to profit. "We will only know in January if these prices will hold out", concludes Gerard.
For more information
J.H. Wagenaar
Gerard Breed
7 Tolweg
1616 AT Hoogkarspel
Tel: + 31 (0) 228 566 417 / + 31 (0) 228 565 500
Mob: + 31 (0) 620 131 682
www.jhwagenaar.nl
g.breed@thegeenery.com