In the Netherlands, fresh Dutch sweetcorn harvesting got started at Hermans Suikermaïs last week. Some 55 laborers work at this every day. "It's extremely early; we didn't expect this after the late sowing and all those wet, cold weeks," begins Giel Hermans.
According to the grower, this new harvest comes at a good time. "Demand has never been so good. Spain has just about run out of corn, but the Dutch season's early start means there's no gap. The import season went well. Everyone was concerned about what impact water shortages in Spain and Morocco would have, but that's not affected us, and sales kept running well."
"The strong demand means we can't yet market the required volumes. Supermarket promotions are planned for the coming weeks, so I don't expect much extra corn to be available for day trading," says Giel. Sunny barbecue weather, in particular, usually ensures good sweet corn sales. "In that sense, it's like melons. If the weather's disappointing, sales are also down."
The Dutch sweetcorn acreage has grown in recent years. This crop has tripled since 2005, but it is uncertain if that expansion will continue. Hermans participated in a CLM and the province of Zeeland study on the sustainability of sweet corn. "Many growers are now more likely to add corn in their plans. It's important for sweetcorn's future to be included in the eco-scheme, so it remains an attractive option," Giel explains.
Hermans Suikermaïs invested in a new loose corn processing line from Deto Mechanisatie this year. "That lets us sort the loose corn super efficiently." Hermans says the biggest challenge is keeping everything running and rising costs in check. "Labor costs have risen disproportionately. Also, the Netherlands' laws and regulations are far more bureaucratic than elsewhere. We currently have to supply everyone with eight certificates," Giel points out.
"But we're confident about the season. Work hard and keep going is our motto. Here in Limburg, we can irrigate well, and the sweet corn has perfect quality. Sales-wise, all signals are a go. Even the cooked corn stocks are all empty. So, should we have surpluses, we have a great cooked corn industry market base," Giel concludes.
For more information:
Giel Hermans
Hermans Suikermaïs
1a Donk
5995 PL, Kessel, NL
+31 (0) 654 757 764
Email: giel@mielies.nl
Website: www.mielies.nl