The impact of the situation in Ukraine is also being felt by Dutch cabbage exporters. "At the moment there is nothing more for us to do in that direction, despite the fact that there was quite a lot of cabbage going to the east of Europe. Ukraine was even the pacesetter on the cabbage market, but that export has dropped to zero at the moment," says Martin Bolhuis of the intermediary agency Tuindersbelang in Warmenhuizen.
Martin Bolhuis and Richard Kruijer of Tuindersbelang
"This results in prices coming under pressure. This already started a fortnight ago when there were tensions and cars could not cross the border. At its peak the price of white cabbage was 32 cents, now it has dropped to 23 cents. The price of red cabbage is holding up better with a price level around 35 cents. We can still trade at this price level."
When asked if there are alternatives in the cabbage market, Martin replied, "Not at the moment. Eventually the demand will come from Western Europe, but that requires some patience. Germany and Poland are also supplying, so for lower prices. Staying calm is the order of business. If companies want to deliver quickly, it will be at the expense of the price."
"We were certainly not dissatisfied with the cabbage market up to this point. The stocks were not too big and we could do anything with the sizing. We can still do that, but turbulence is never good for trade. And this tension is currently being felt worldwide."
For more information:
Martin Bolhuis
Tuindersbelang
Dergmeerweg 3
1749 VA Warmenhuizen
+31 (0)226 391 000
tuindersbelang@hetnet.nl
www.tuindersbelang.nl