Last weekend was a chicory weekend of note for Flanders in Belgium and, in truth, for much of Europe. On Sunday, the Flemish ground chicory season, which has good prospects, was opened in the town of Hoegaarden. Two days before, during the Chicory Biennale 2022, Flanders was the center of the European chicory sector. "It was a successful event, and participants concluded that the sector has good prospects," begins Luc Vanoirbeek, the Belgian Horticultural Cooperatives Association's secretary.
Wim Rodenburg (GroentenFruit Huis), Philipe Appeltans (BelOrta), and Maarten De Moor (LAVA).
For the 25th Chicory Biennale, delegates traveled to Kampenhout, where the De Krop chicory museum became the chicory epicenter for a weekend. There were lectures and company visits. "While organizing the event, we thought we'd receive about a hundred participants, but in the end, we registered 167."
"Most were from the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, but there were also some from Germany, Great Britain, Austria, and Spain. This great interest indicates that chicory certainly isn't in a downward spiral. On the contrary, if this weekend proved anything, it's that great things are possible regarding quality, sales, and innovation," says Luc.
Challenges offer chances
It also shows that such a biennial still offers plenty of opportunities and know-how. "Biennials are sometimes considered outdated because nowadays, people can find all the information they need on their smartphones. However, the opposite turned out to be true. Everyone at the event was enthusiastic about the many conversations and discussions during the breaks and dinners."
"There was also plenty to talk about regarding research and trade. There was a very impressive contribution on robotization and Artificial Intelligence possibilities in chicory cultivation. Care4Growing, a new growers app, got further attention too," Luc continues.
This edition thus focused on opportunities, despite this sector's major challenges. Besides cultivation, trade was also further considered. "Before, the mood was sometimes negative. This edition's tone was, however, generally positive. We, for example, looked at increased prices, especially in energy, and how to deal with that in the future. And Koos Groot of Tolpoort Vegetables discussed consumption - chicory's sore point. This, he said, is an important matter if prices are to improve."
"Marnick De Visschere of REO touched on this. He added that a way had to be found to pass on the increased cost price to subsequent chain links. That needs to be discussed with retail and stakeholders. Finally, crop protection was also discussed, bearing in mind the Green Deal and the Farm-to-Fork strategy. The drive for more plant-based food is central to this. Our sector already has the answer to this," explains Luc.
Younger generation offers opportunities
Wilco van den Berg of GroentenFruit Huis says, "The younger generation eats more chicory than generally thought. It's not an undesirable vegetable; it just needs to be brought to their attention. How is chicory faring in the Netherlands? Over the past eight years, consumption has remained roughly stable, though 20 years ago, it was higher. The Dutch sector can be proud that chicory is enormously popular among the elderly. Among people over 65, for instance, chicory is the fourth most purchased vegetable."
"Almost nine in ten older people buy chicory. Yet, among young people, chicory isn't even in the top ten most-bought vegetables. That does require attention. What role can social media and influencers play? Also, remember to focus on families with children. Among this buyer group, things like fresh packs do extremely well. Surely a fresh package that includes chicory offers chances to highlight this vegetable with this consumer group more?" he says.
De BelOrta Greenhouse
Overall, Luc calls it a great event. "The insights given ensure that all participating countries can anticipate the future. Chicory certainly doesn't have a negative future. It is one of opportunities. The next biennale, which will be in Germany, should be fantastic too. I'm looking forward to it," he concludes.
Photos: Jan Princen, ABC fruit/groenten - www.belgianfreshfoodinstitute.be
For more information:
Luc Vanoirbeek
Witloofbiënnale 2022
Website: www.witloofbiennale.eu