The coronavirus situation in China is causing inevitable delays in ginger supplies to Europe. “Production is currently at only 50% of the usual volume,” Not only shortages of labor but also a lack of sufficient packing material and logistic service” says Paul Yin of B&C Lifestyle. This company has a sales office in Capelle aan den IJssel, the Netherlands.
“The Chinese New Year holidays have been expanded from the traditional one week to two weeks. Public life in certain regions has also come to a standstill. That means that in the next four to five weeks, hardly any ginger will be arriving from China. That, in turn, will make huge shortages in Europe.”
“Prices are rising daily at the moment. The current price level is at around €33-35 per box. That is double the price compared to only 1 week ago. Few years ago, we also had a situation with extremely high ginger prices. It would not surprise me if we surpassed that this year,” says Paul.
He then also expects high demand for ginger in the coming weeks. “Programs need to be filled, so the demand will remain. The cold weather also always stimulates the demand for ginger especially the skiing holiday in the mid of Feb. We have, however, noticed that certain clients are holding back on their orders. That is due to the coronavirus threat. That is really not necessary as the virus does not spread via agriculture produce.”
“Thanks to good planning and strategic cooperation with our Chinese suppliers, we have sufficient stock to supply our clients for, at least, the next two or three weeks. The ginger is of good quality. The old crop is off the market, and all the product is new, fresh ginger that has good color and looks nice,” Paul concludes.
For more information:
Paul Yin
B&C Lifestyle B.V.
Barbizonlaan 104
2908 ME, Capelle aan den IJssel
Mob: 0031 (0) 6-40730628
yin@bclifestyle.nl