Lesage Champignons had a busy festive season. People at this Belgian mushroom business thought, after that, January would be quieter. They were wrong. "Usually the demand falls a little in January. But, this year, we had to forge full steam ahead," says Michel Lesage of Lesage Champignons. “There has been a high demand for both high-quality white and chestnut mushroom in recent weeks. This demand waned a little last week. That is probably because it is holidays in Belgium this week."
Mushroom prices are also on the rise. That is, however, also needed, according to Lesage. “Mushrooms are the only vegetable in which prices have remained the same for the last 60 years. But, costs keep climbing. We have always been able to make up for this by using ever-better cultivation techniques. That is, however, not feasible in the long run."
"Prices are currently cautiously rising, which is very necessary. There are certainly fewer companies competing on the market. Businesses do not compete with each other in price. They do so with quality. And, when it comes to quality, we can make a difference," says Michel.
“We are still suffering the consequences of the two dry springs we had. The substrate is of lower quality. That means our production is not at its highest level at the moment. We are, therefore, hoping this spring will be wetter than that of the previous years. During the summer season, we will again focus on barbeque items this year."
"But, another trend during the summer months is convenience goods. These are things like sliced mushrooms. In the summer, consumers want more pan-ready products. People do not want to spend so much time in the kitchen. They would rather spend time doing fun things," concludes Michel.
For more information:
Michel Lesage
Lesage Champignons
79 Kervijn Street
8531 Bavikhove, Belgium
Tel: +32(0) 567 122 88
Email: info@lesagechampignons.be
Website: www.lesagechampignons.be