Last Friday was the day of love again - Valentine's Day. On this day many people surprise their loved ones with the gift of roses. "But strawberries are also associated with Valentine's Day," says Marcel Biemans of the Belgian company, Coöperatie Hoogstraten. “Around Valentine's Day, we often see a peak in demand for this product."
“The current demand for strawberries is good. We see the demand coming from the domestic market. But, it is also coming from other European countries. The supply of lit cultivated strawberries is, however, very low at the moment. We expect this limited supply to continue to the end of February. The new growing season starts in March again. The average price per kg of lit cultivated is at around €10. That is a good price for this time of year."
There is much competition from Spain. However, Marcel notes the demand for strawberries grown under lights rises annually. "It is a nice niche product, but its cost price is quite high. We certainly see opportunities for lit cultivated strawberries. But, we want to expand carefully. We want to avoid putting prices under pressure." concludes Marcel.
For more information:
Marcel Biemans
Coöperatie Hoogstraten
59 Loenhoutseweg
Hoogstraten, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 334 00 233
Email: marcel.biemans@hoogstraten.eu
Website: www.hoogstraten.eu