Paul van Groningen of Greenfood Iberica recently visited growers in Almeria, Spain, to see their crops. "The growers are expecting a few more good weeks. For example, quite a lot of zucchini is expected. The weather's good, the crops are growing well, with added help from the full moon."
"Bell pepper volumes are declining. Some of these crops are coming to an end now, but they'll continue a little longer in the Roquette area. The growers are generally satisfied. However, the increased costs, which weren't factored into the seasonal prices, are having an effect. Cost prices are significantly higher than in other years, which of course impacts margins."
"There are rumors that Dutch cultivation, especially bell peppers, will start much later. That could lead to huge shortages at the end of the Spanish season. Spanish growers are, however, skeptical. They're often told all sorts of things, but when the time comes, there's still plenty of product," says Paul.
Greenfood Iberica buys the Spanish assortment for its Scandinavian parent company. It also buys fruit and vegetables from all over Spain for other buyers in northwestern Europe.
"I also discussed the upcoming watermelon season's prospects with the growers. There's slightly less planting than last year, but not much less than the year before. So, theoretically, there should be a normal volume available."
"Some of these growers are somewhat late because they continued with vegetables for longer. Yet, generally, regular early watermelons volumes should be available. Hopefully, it'll be a nice spring in particularly Northern Europe, then demand will be good, and the growers will have a nice season," Paul concludes.
For more information:
Paul van Groningen
GreenFood Iberica
C/Avda.Catalunya,
33-35 I 17253 Mont-ras (Girona)
Catalonia, Spain
Tel: +34 (0) 972 667 216
Email: paul@greenfoodiberica.es
Website: www.greenfoodiberica.es