Fresh2You have had Dutch Brussels sprouts available from early August. According to Menno Molenaar, the heat and vacations did not stop people from buying this product. "Demand has been excellent in the past few weeks. There's an increasing basic demand from markets and customers for year-round Brussels sprouts," he says.
"There was especially good demand from England and Scandinavia, with Eastern Europe also participating. Dutch Brussels sprouts are, for example, going to Ukraine again. Canada and the United States are also already inquiring about our product. The dry weather is affecting production worldwide. We can respond well with our year-round supply."
Brussels sprouts grower, Bos, began harvesting for Fresh2You in early August. Tumoba provided him with a completely new machine.
"Due to the hot weather, the African season ended early. The dry weather greatly affects Dutch growers, who put much effort into irrigation. That impacted the Brussels sprouts' growth rate, and I think there'll be fewer kilos this year. Qualitatively, the product look good, and the dry weather benefits their shelf life. Prices have begun at a good level, but those usually normalize somewhat in the coming weeks."
The finishing touches are currently being added to Fresh2You's processing facility n the Netherlands, where the latest processing and packaging machines have been installed.
"This should let us advance in the growing ready-to-serve segment," says Menno. Fresh2You's Brussels sprout assortment contains only the green variety.
"Much energy has been put into marketing purple and flower sprouts, but the conclusion is that the market isn't quite ready for these yet."
Fresh2You offer Dutch Brussels sprouts from early August to early May. They then switch to produce from the northernmost part of the United Kingdom, with Moroccan Brussels sprouts following. "We're sure cultivation and processing technology are going to make the difference. That will result in an even better product, more added value and lower costs," concludes Menno.
For more information:
Menno Molenaar
Fresh2You
19 Transportweg
2991 LV, Barendrecht, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 653 252 597
Email: m.molenaar@fresh2you.nl
Website: www.fresh2you.nl