The Dutch greenhouse vegetable season is nearing its end. Thus, time to reflect with Oxin Growers' commercial director, Ton van Dalen. "Bell pepper, tomato, and eggplant prices were good, but, unfortunately, cucumber prices were much lower than last year," he begins.
"Our bell pepper acreage grew substantially, by 65 hectares, this season. The gloomy weather meant productions started slowly, but prices for all colors were good. Red bell pepper prices were 17% higher than last year, yellow 21%, green 14%, and orange 27% higher."
"Usually, with bell peppers, it's said that growers must earn in the spring. But, this year, fall was good, too; certainly not a disaster. All growers deal with higher costs, but bell pepper growers will be happy with the prices realized. Luckily, there were few internal defects, though root problems were an issue for many bell pepper growers. That remains a major concern," says Ton.
"Our tomato acreage shrank slightly (-10 ha). We also had significantly fewer tomatoes grown under lights, but that will change. Loose tomatoes prices were 10% better than last year, but TOV prices lagged five percent, though they were higher than average in the smaller segment."
"The virus pressure continues to require attention, and growers are switching to highly resistant tomato varieties. That does reduce the virus pressure, but these varieties generally have lesser quality and yields. Also, you need more energy to maintain a good quality, so you need a different cultivation method," explains Ton.
Eggplants are quite a small category for Oxin Growers. "Nonetheless, our two growers' prices were 18% higher than last year. Productions were also good, so these growers, too, will look back on the season with satisfaction." The same cannot be said for the cucumber growers at Oxin Growers this year, accounting for 157 hectares.
"Sadly, cucumber prices were disappointing. They were down, on average, 17% across all grades, with the main grade (40'ers) falling by as much as 19% and the 35'ers 12%. Cucumber growers will thus be less happy with the season after some better years. That will hopefully recover next year," Ton hopes.
Oxin's total revenues were eight percent higher this year. Last year, the cooperative briefly oriented itself to Spanish cultivation because of high energy prices. This year, according to Van Dalen, imports were not considered. "Many of our growers started using their lights again."
"Though, it's still half the level as before the high energy prices. We've already started preparing for the new greenhouse vegetable season, and that outlook is positive. Fortunately, the market and retailers have genuinely started realizing how crucial product availability is," Ton concludes.
For more information:
Ton van Dalen
Oxin Growers
Tel: +31 (0) 180 203 203
Email: Ton@oxin-growers.nl
www.oxin-growers.nl