It is quite quiet on the greenhouse vegetable market. Due to the miserable weather the demand for many products is lacking and this isn't benefiting the price. "At the moment there is an increasing demand for cucumbers and the prices are slightly on the rise. There is a considerable supply, but we expect a slight decrease in production next week," says Katrien De Backer of LAVA. "Aubergines aren't doing great either, and because there is still Spanish produce on the market, the current price formation is sub par. The courgettes on the market at the moment come from greenhouses and the open ground, but there is still a lot of competition from the southern countries on the market. The prices are low due to the increase in domestic production and competition.
Peppers
"The pepper market is more positive. The demand for red and green peppers is good, the demand for the yellow is slightly lacking this week. The supply of the red and green peppers is very varied. We expect a light decrease in kilos from the red pepper next weekend and a rise for the green. At the moment there is a normal supply of yellow peppers, but as of next week a strong decrease in production is expected. The prices for red and green are normal for this time of year, but the prices for the yellow peppers are on the low side. There is also still Spanish product on the Belgian market," according to Katrien.
Tomatoes
The tomatoes were also affected by the weather. The demand for loose tomatoes, specials and vine tomatoes is low for all. "The demand from the export countries is also lacking as there is sufficient local supply. The domestic supply of tomatoes is generous, but normal for the time of year," continues Katrien. The prices are low for both vine and loose tomatoes. The bad weather is preventing quality problems in greenhouse vegetables. Heat like there was last spring is more likely to cause damage and stress."
We see a light expansion in greenhouse cultivation under light annually. Past winter season we even market cucumbers grown under light. The lighting mainly plays a role in loose tomatoes (Prince and Baron beef tomatoes and specials, vine Elite, Princess and specialties)" according to De Backer.
"Although there is a lot of investment in the future it is important for the grower/organisation/auctions to keep a close eye on the cost-benefit ratio. Continually trying to ensure a market conforming quality supply and doing this in a transparent manner, making it accessible for a varied as possible clientele."
For more information:
Katrien De Backer
LAVA
3191 Boortmeerbeek
Leuvensesteenweg 130 A
+32 (0)15 50 42 50
Katrien.debacker@lava.be
www.lava.be