Corne van Winsen of ZON Fruit and Vegetables:

"Morocco taking steps towards quality of tomatoes"

At the moment, the small supply of tomato specialties is causing high prices. "The last two to three weeks there have been considerable shortages," Corné van Winsen van ZON Fruit and Vegetables tells.

Shortages
The area of specialties in Spain and Morocco has grown. The demand is just about the same. Nevertheless not enough specialties are available at the moment. Low temperatures and bad weather conditions force back the supply. "The last two to three weeks there were considerable shortages," Corné van Winsen of ZON Fruit and Vegetables tells. "This is mainly with the loose specialties: the red and yellow cherries and the baby plum."

Middle of January
At the moment, 95% of the specialties come from import countries. Spain and Morocco are the main players and these growers make good prices at the moment. There is not much at Dutch growers using lighting. Normally the cost price in the Netherlands is too high compared to the Spanish and Moroccan product." Van Winsen estimates that supply will remain low till the middle of January. "The next two weeks will remain difficult and the demand remains reasonably stable. Only from the second week in January do I expect better prices."

Morocco
The quality of the product makes Van Winsen happy. "There is still some difference
from one growers association to the next, but in general it may be called reasonable to good." It is striking that Morocco has definitely improved. "They continue to remain in the spotlight. The product has improved in quality and growers are certified more often. It will be an important competitor for Spain."

For more information:
Corné van Winsen
ZON Fruit and Vegetables
104, Venrayseweg
5928 RH VENLO
T: +31 (0)77 3239999
F: +31 (0)77 3239719
E. info@zon-business.com
http://www.zon-business.com/

Publication date: Mon 23 Dec 2013