Dennis Blankendaal of Frysk Witlof in the Netherlands has no complaints about current chicory sales. "Those usually fall somewhat in the summer, but supply is limited at the moment. In Belgium, too, there's little chicory to sell at auction. Then, if there's even a slight shortage, prices can rebound, just like that," he says.
"Presently, chicory is priced at around €0.90. All growers are cautious and are waiting to see how the root crop does. Everything's been significantly delayed."
"So everyone's planning to save the roots. There's a fairly good production of those," says the grower, one of the largest chicory growers in Europe.
Annually, he sources between 250 and 280 hectares of chicory from roots grown in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Dennis sees robot market developments in mainly the areas of promotions and automation. "Promotion is always good. We have to keep the young generation enthusiastic about chicory. You can use it in plenty of ways. You never know if those promotions produce direct results, but do nothing, and you can be sure you're not boosting consumption."
Automation is a high priority for Frysk Witlof too, although, according to Dennis, that is a long-term project. "We're now hard at work automating the weighing process. That mustn't only be done precisely but also quickly. All those robotic arms look fantastic, but the system must, above all, be sturdy, powerful, and able to withstand rough handling. Generally, though, plenty of challenges," he concludes.
For more information:
Dennis Blankendaal
Frysk-Witlof B.V.
12 Frjentsjerterdyk
8855 XC, Sexbierum, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 517 592 772
Mob: +31 (0) 683 986 424
Email: Dennis@frysk-witlof.nl
Website: www.frysk-witlof.nl