The Belgian asparagus season has now been underway for a good two months, and at the pop-up shop that Aspergehoeve Bossuyt opened in Knokke-Heist for the first time this year, sales are going well for now. "The start has been positive. People are finding their way to the shop. However, we do notice different sales patterns compared to the farm. Processed asparagus products, such as soups and daily specials, are more popular in the shop," explains Kris Bossuyt of the cultivation company from Oostrozebeke.
The shop, located at 218 Lippenslaan in the Flemish coastal town, opened on Saturday, March 15. "We certainly don't regret it," Kris laughs. "This week was a bit quieter due to the cold weather at the coast, but temperatures are rising again, and it will likely get busier soon. In the lead-up to Mother's Day, restaurants always place good orders. Still, there is a clear difference in what sells. Unprocessed, peeled asparagus continues to sell well, but prepared dishes are significantly more popular in the shop compared to farm sales."
Regarding the season, Kris is generally satisfied. "We started with very high prices for white asparagus. I don't think I've ever seen them so expensive for such an extended period, but prices are easing now. Volumes increased last week due to the good weather, which caused prices to drop significantly. However, with the holidays approaching, prices may pick up again. For green asparagus, prices were low for a long time, but volumes have decreased slightly this week, making them more expensive." How prices will develop in the coming weeks remains to be seen. "May is always a strong month for asparagus, but after Pentecost, which falls on June 11, sales typically decline more quickly. We will see."
Will there be another pop-up shop next year? "Most likely, yes. Organizing it was quite a challenge, and you shouldn't underestimate it, but we are still satisfied. We are even exploring options for a larger location by the sea. That would mean making everything work together seamlessly. In the end, it all falls on my shoulders, and it has to remain manageable. I have been spending more time behind my desk than working on the farm, which makes me wonder if that's what I want. Perhaps we need to expand the team. Well, we'll see in five to six weeks when we evaluate this season. But overall, we can certainly call this a positive experience," Kris concludes.
For more information:
Kris Bossuyt
Aspergehoeve Bossuyt
Lippenslaan 218, Knokke-Heist, Belgium
Tel: +32 472 80 11 40
[email protected]
www.verseasperges.be