This year, the winter cauliflower harvest at P.N. Slagter started a whopping two weeks early. "We began cutting in mid-March, which is unprecedented. Initially, you don't harvest daily, but with the warm weather last weekend, the growth really exploded. We are in full swing harvesting," says Ruud Slagter. "The quality of the very first cauliflowers is always a bit iffy, but what we're cutting now is of excellent quality."
The brisk start has not yet led to overly rapid sales. "Foreign markets, particularly France and Spain, still have too much product. As long as they are in the market, we cannot command top prices," Ruud explains. "Thus, the prices are quite ordinary. And given the risky nature of the crop, you would hope to earn a bit extra. After all, there are years when you have to discard half of your volume because the product has frozen."
According to the grower, there is no increase in acreage. "It remains a risky crop and is also not the easiest to cultivate. Many cauliflower growers, therefore, do not venture into winter cauliflower cultivation, opting instead for tulips or peonies in the winter. One year it's a triumph, the next you're left with nothing."
P.N. Slagter primarily supplies winter cauliflower to supermarket chains. The winter romanesco, which the company is also currently harvesting, mainly finds its way to Dutch wholesalers and specialty vegetable shops. "This harvest is also two weeks earlier than usual. Winter romanesco is an even more challenging crop, as it freezes even more quickly. Last year, 95% of our harvest was frozen. Ideally, you would want to receive double the amount this year, but that's not the case."
The current weather conditions are certainly favorable for cauliflower growth. "It's very beneficial for the growth. Everything in the ground looks very healthy. The question is what effect the early harvest will have on sales for the rest of the season."
For more information:
Ruud Slagter
Fa. P.N. Slagter
Kadijkweg 43
1619 PJ Andijk
Tel.: +31 (0)6 37351433
ruud@pnslagter.nl
www.pnslagter.nl