The Dutch chicory market is becoming more exciting by the day. With prices topping €5/kg, chicory prices are reaching record highs, says a Tolpoort Vegetables representative. These sky-high prices have everything to do with the root supply shortage. The heavy, persistent rainfall is drenching the fields and, thus, delaying root harvesting. Growers take advantage of every dry day to go out into the fields and harvest. That is true for the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.
Danny Duijs and Jurgen Ratelband of Tolpoort Vegetables
"We're hearing that growers have run out of roots. Fortunately, that's not yet the case with Tolpoort Vegetables' chicory growers, though time is running out. There's a risk that if grubbing is done now, growers will want to start setting pens again as soon as possible. But those roots must first be sufficiently refrigerated to mature properly. If that doesn't happen, they'll have disappointing production. We obviously want to avoid that," the representative explains.
"There are concerns about the soon-to-be uprooted pens' quality, too. All this water does them no good. The shortage should continue for some time, and it seems the whole season will be a demand market with a tight chicory supply. Prices are expected to stay good in the short term. It remains to be seen if that will be at the same high level."
"The long-term expectation, given the market development, is that chicory will keep trading at good prices. A good level is also vital for growers wanting to invest in the future. With uncertainties like sufficient acreage availability and rising labor costs, a good market price is a prerequisite for keeping chicory on the shelf now and in the future," the representative concludes.
For more information:
Tolpoort Vegetables
Tel: +31 (0) 228 565 781
Email: verkoop@tolpoort.com