In the Netherlands, the late December frost damaged Brussels sprouts more than initially thought. "There are 25 to 30% rejections across the board," says Andre Noordhoek, who grows Brussels sprouts and markets his and fellow growers' produce, mainly to exporters.
"The frost's timing, just before Christmas, was lousy. We were at a standstill for a week; then, we had to make up those two weeks in a few days. Prices shot up - Brussels sprouts are always a good Christmas item - but now, as we take stock of the damage, we see the actual losses. Demand has picked slightly again, too."
"The frost's causing the Brussels sprouts' quality to plummet. The shrinking resource package isn't making things any easier," explains André. "Our buyers' products have nothing wrong with them. People must just remember that we can't keep supplying them with the same quality of Brussels sprouts as before."
"The Brussels sprout season began well, but the mood has since dropped. The current price of around €0.50 doesn't benefit growers much either. More acreage was added this year, something I don't see happening again next year," André concludes.
For more information:
André Noordhoek
Noordhoek Agro
8 Groendalseweg
2665LH, Bleiswijk, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 622 233 704
Email: canoordhoek@kpnmail.nl