The carrot market is currently relatively quiet. "There's some pressure from Egyptian carrots, which are selling at the same price or even less in Eastern Europe," explains Willem de Boer of W. de Boer & Zn in the Netherlands. "Also, the carrots' quality is challenging this season. Last year was disastrous, and this year's no different. Still, there are some exceptionally good batches out there, but you have to search for them."
Willem and Noortje de Boer
"Exports are slow. We're only delivering to countries like Poland and the Czech Republic. Beyond that, the trade's quite dull. Prices are around €0.50. That might seem significant, but growers are expecting high prices. They don't see that the carrots' net yield from the cubic crates is low. That price is dropping somewhat, but the market listings don't yet reflect that," says Willem.
Last winter, he invested in the world's largest carrot polisher. "We made some adjustments, and the machine is running smoothly now. I love seeing how beautifully polished the carrots come out." Willem, however, believes buyers should appreciate the quality more.
"We're always expected to provide beautiful full B/C-grade carrots," he says, "but when I see customers still opting for the shorter Egyptian ones, it seems the quality is no longer something they're willing to pay for."
The beetroot market is calm, too. "Those are selling for about €0.40. There's occasional demand from overseas, but mainly from regular clients," Willem concludes.
For more information:
W. de Boer & Zn
26 Oudijk, 1617 KR
Westwoud, The Netherlands
info@deboerwestwoud.nl
www.deboerwestwoud.nl