In recent weeks, asparagus has been quite problematic in the German fruit and vegetable sector. There was concern whether there would be enough harvest workers available to get these vegetables out of the fields. At the end of last week, the harvest really started - so far, the market looks good, comments one observer.
"The farmers are doing the trade of their lifetime in the farm shops. Asparagus 28+ costs around €13, with top quality vegetables going for up to €25/kg." There is very little asparagus at the wholesale market at the moment, and the quantities that are available are sold out quickly. "This is no wonder, as direct marketing is currently proving to be much more lucrative."
The good weather of the last few days certainly had its influence on the market situation. Larger quantities are now available and prices are slowly falling again. "The quality of the goods seems to be very good."
A long-term trend is not yet foreseeable, there are too many factors for that: "The entry of a certain number of harvest workers has been regulated in the meantime, but it remains to be seen whether this is sufficient. The corona crisis is an additional aspect that influences the season, both in terms of harvest and sales. We won't really be able to say how it went until June."