Last month's summer rains in the Netherlands led to a shortage of open-field products at TB&S. But volumes are back up, and the company has plenty of cabbage available to serve its customers. "Though last week was very hot, we were less affected. The days are getting shorter, and there's plenty of dew in the mornings," Coen Swager says.
The classics like white and red cabbage and pointed cabbage are selling well. "Cabbage prices are picking up a bit, with smaller white cabbage in particular demand. Those prices are nice, which lifts our spirits."
© TB&S
"We're currently well underway harvesting organic and conventional pointed cabbage for storage. Those are selling, and we get the occasional bulk order from southern Europe. As soon as there's a production gap somewhere, the Netherlands can quickly respond to demand. Next week, we'll also begin harvesting our organic butternut squash," explains Coen.
TB&S introduced Violetti, a purple pointed cabbage, some years ago. These are especially popular with processors and hospitality wholesalers. "They appreciate the Violetti mainly for its positive characteristics. Unlike red cabbage, it doesn't bleed when sliced and doesn't stain other products red. That makes it ideal for things like meal salads."
While processors work with Violetti aplenty, sales toward Dutch supermarkets lag. "I don't really get it; this is an innovative product, but Dutch retailers aren't yet biting. Considering how smoothly Violetti sales run at supermarkets in Scandinavia in the winter, it's genuinely a missed opportunity. Even some German supermarkets carry it," Coen observes.
"But, we'll keep trying, even if it takes a long time. We've mastered the cultivation and keep the acreage stable, but we can scale up if demand increases. We're truly convinced of the product's positive traits. You can use it in so many ways. The Violetti is perfect for, for example, salads, stir-fries, or in the oven."
It is also still early days for the savoy pointed cabbage introduction. "It's somewhat harder to grow, but it, too, is genuinely innovative. Supermarkets just have to see fit to include it. That's an even bigger challenge because they already barely carry standard savoy cabbage. Though, those stores wanting something new on their open-field shelf need look no further," Coen concludes.
For more information:
TB&S
1 Vronermeerweg, 1834 AX, Sint Pancras, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 653 498 460
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.spitskool.com
Website: www.violetti.nl
