The supply of Dutch bell peppers is only trickling in. "Due to the wet and dark weather in the first quarter, the start is even later than last year. The first harvest of red and yellow bell peppers is now behind us, the supply of orange bell peppers has just started, and green bell peppers have been available for a week now," says Sales Manager Wouter Willems of ZON.
"The bell peppers are fetching good prices, but there is too little product available. There is still some supply from Spain, but its quality is no longer top-notch. Hence, supermarkets and exporters are eagerly searching for good products," Wouter continues. "This also explains the high prices above 3 euros that are currently being paid for red, yellow, and orange bell peppers."
"We are now in a gap between the Spanish, Dutch, and Belgian production, but the supply is expected to increase in the coming weeks. Then, retail in Northwest Europe will quickly switch to Dutch products entirely. The outlook is excellent. The quality of the bell peppers is good, and the retail sector is in search," observes Wouter. The season for pointed bell peppers has also started again. "The Sweet Palermo has been on the rise in recent years. Due to its distinctive taste, this pointed bell pepper is popular with retailers. At our company, this product largely finds its way directly to the customer, leaving almost nothing for the digital platform for day trading."
At ZON, the bell pepper acreage has remained virtually the same. "A number of smaller companies stopped their cultivation last year, accelerated by the energy crisis, but overall, we are at a similar level as last year," Wouter says. Some bell pepper growers at ZON are participating in the FVO trial this year to cultivate with less chemistry. "A positive development. After all, we must continue to innovate to do better each time."
For more information:
Wouter Willems
ZON
Venrayseweg 102
5928 RH, Venlo
Tel.: +31 (0)77 3239999
wouter.willems@royalzon.com
www.royalzon.com