Not much celeriac is being sent to Eastern Europe yet. Yields are disappointing, resulting in high celeriac prices, according to Robert den Ouden of Rodeno Agri Products. “Eighty to ninety per cent has now been harvested, but volumes are low and, because prices are currently high, sales aren’t as good as in previous years.”
The low yields were unexpected. The dry summer disrupted the prognoses made at the start of the planting season. “Compared to 2017, the area remained the same. We had an enormous yield back then, a good harvested was expected this year as well. Compared to last year, volumes are 50 per cent lower, and on average, 25 per cent less celeriac is available compared to previous years.” Another difference with last year: the tubers were mostly large back then, now they’re generally small. Robert: “There aren’t a lot of large tubers now, and those are in demand. Last year, the small ones were in demand.”
The yield of celeriac is also disappointing in other European countries, but not a lot of export can be seen yet. “Price levels are higher on average compared to previous years. Because of this, Eastern Europe isn’t on the market yet and Poland and Romania are now converting their harvests into cash. Some product is sent to Scandinavia, the US and Canada, and in smaller volumes to Germany, France and Italy.”
Some growers are starting to get a bit nervous about the situation. “The majority of the celeriac has already been grubbed up and stored, because frost had been predicted. However, the frost failed to occur, temperatures have actually been higher than average in recent weeks. That’s not good for the celeriac stored in air-cooled warehouses. Some growers want to sell because of this, and that puts some pressure on prices. Celeriac straight from the fields isn’t in the way, as long as it doesn’t freeze. These tubers are generally still too small, and growers therefore hope they’ll grow a bit bigger.”
It’s currently looking good for long-term storage. “Although it naturally depends on various factors. Only celeriac of the right variety and grown in clay soil can be stored until June or July under optimal cooling circumstances. Pricing is fine now, but this has to last to make the small harvest profitable.”
For more information:
Rodeno Agri Products
Robert den Ouden
Oude Rijksweg 47
4472 AE 's-Heer-Hendrikskinderen, NL
T: +31(0)6 53 19 01 00
info@rodeno.nl
www.rodeno.nl