Although there generally seems to be a limited supply in the Belgian carrot market, Denys Carrots' Jan Deconinck managed to get good yields. "We finished harvesting last week, and the carrots look great," he says. "On some plots, we even got 150 crates per hectare. That's exceptional."
Denys Carrots controls the entire process from cultivation and washing to packaging, storage, and trading, which it does mainly in Belgium and France. "It was very hot and dry, so we waited a while to harvest. We, nevertheless, got the entire crop into cold storage on time," Jan continues.
"In December, you can't take many risks with the frost, but fortunately, we were prepared." That is thus resulting in good prices. "Prices have been picking up nicely since the summer. There's generally somewhat less acreage and lower yields. Plus, the recent cold weather is creating a good demand," explains Jan.
The greenhouse vegetable issues boosted this demand. "Our costs have, of course, also climbed. Nonetheless, the limited Belgian greenhouse vegetable supply benefits carrots. People quickly buy carrots, which despite the high prices, remain a cheap product." Still, admits Jan, what the future holds is anyone's guess. "Nobody knows what things will look like in February or March. People only have so much to spend. When it's gone, it's gone. Then there's no more left for carrots, either," he says.
This year's carrot market is in complete contrast to last year. "Then we were giving them away, so to speak. The market was flooded, and prices were at rock bottom. It was easier for dealers to get produce then, though. This year, it's much harder for many to get enough carrots in stock."
The trader says it is hard to tell which direction things will go next year. "It's not guaranteed that towards May, carrots will still be quite pricey," Deconinck says. "Belgium can't determine that, either; it depends on the surrounding countries' situation. We'll have to deal with whatever happens. If the carrots are expensive, you have to sell them as such."
"If they're cheap, you have to sell them cheaply. You can't control the market. Nevertheless, confidence we do have. If you don't have that, it's better to quit. However, with generally less acreage and less yield, things look good," Jan concludes.
For more information:
Jan Deconinck
Denys Carrots
12 Grote Roeselare Street
8760, Meulebeke, Belguim
Tel: +32 (0) 477 404 427
EMail: [email protected]
Website: www.denyscarrots.be