The Dutch bell pepper season is nearing its end. "Generally, the mood has improved quite a bit," says Wim Grootscholte, paterfamilias of bell pepper production company 4Evergreen. "Sales of yellow peppers went well this year, red a little less well, and green mediocre. That all adds up to a reasonable year. But it was about time for many people. Circumstances also turned out favourably for us this year. The acreage here had shrunken slightly. Everyone had a bit less production, and Spain was off the market earlier, and is now entering the market later. Next year, we're starting again from scratch."
"At the moment, production is decreasing somewhat, but we still have Dutch bell peppers for around four weeks. Supplies are low. I don't believe there are many Spanish bell peppers already, and a big decrease in supplies from Israel is also expected," Wim says. "While supply is limited, demand isn't particularly high. Personally, I always find this period to be a bit boring. Trade could be a bit more lively."
4Evergreen has production locations in Steenbergen, Hook of Holland, 's-Gravenzande, Sint-Annaland, Terneuzen and Honselersdijk. In these companies, with a total acreage of 60 hectares, around 18 million kilos of bell peppers are grown each year for the Dutch market and export. "My sons now manage business operations. I help out where necessary, and only give a bit of advice," Wim explains his role.
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