This wet, gloomy autumn weather is, at least, good for something - the chicory demand. Rudi Coosemans of the Belgian company, Coosemans import/export, has noticed this. “In September, the demand for chicory rose sharply. This is partly thanks to the turning weather."
"Prices also climbed. We are currently at a normal price level for this time of year. Summer is usually a difficult time for chicory sales. A lot of people see chicory as a real autumn and winter vegetable. Sales, therefore, lag behind in the summer."
Rudi Coosemans visiting a trade show.
“We will soon gradually start switching from old to new carrots. We are expecting slightly less supply. This lower volume could affect the price. We were afraid the dry summer would have a negative effect on the carrots' quality."
"Fortunately, this is not the case. They are, in fact, of very high quality. We can deliver a nice product in the coming months," says Rudi.
Chicory consumption peaks from September to November. The trader has, however, noticed that the consumption of this product is stagnating worldwide. "I think this has to do with the younger generation's eating habits. They are increasingly less familiar with the slightly bitter taste of chicory. They, therefore, prefer other types of vegetables."
Coosemans import/export's most important sales markets are overseas areas. These include countries such as the United States and Canada. Chicory is also cultivated in California. In spite of this, this Belgian company sells about 700 tons of chicory annually in the US and Canada.
"Chicory is, however, in fact, just one of the hundreds of products we have in our range. We actually offer the whole fruit and vegetable package. We supply a lot of glasshouse vegetables overseas. But we also sell many other vegetable varieties, such as salsify and celeriac," Rudi concludes.
Coosemans import/export will be at booth 3361 at the PMA Fresh Summit. This trade show is to be held on 18 and 19 October in Anaheim, California.
For more information:
Rudi Coosemans
Coosemans import/export
12 Bogaert Street
1910 - Kampenhout, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)166 57 916
coosemans.bvba@telenet.be
www.coosemans.com