There is much excitement in the current European chicory root market. "Productions are low, and chicory prices have skyrocketed," says Sjan van Gorsel of Reijnpack in the Netherlands. "Belgian auction prices were around €3 for a while; now they're at €2.50-€2.70, which is still quite high."
The situation of customers lowering or even stopping their orders for a while is arising, though, says the chicory packer. "But there isn't that much supply either, so prices stay good. The only question is how much consumers will spend in stores if chicory is expensive. There may well be a dip at some point, but there's no sign of that so far. Neither do vegetable aisles offer many cheap alternatives," Sjan explains.
"There aren't many chicory roots available in the fields either. Some growers have, in fact, already stopped because they have none. In Belgium and France, entire plots of land have been flooded. It's not too bad in the Netherlands, but even here, we have to take advantage of a break in the rain to grub," Sjan explains. "We could harvest two plots from Thursday to Saturday morning. But you have to grab the chances when you see them."
"This year has generally been tough. If it rains for a few more weeks and you then get frost, the crop may freeze and disintegrate. Certainly, not all the roots will come off the land. It's still conjecture, but there will, undoubtedly, not be too many chicory roots available next season."
Reijnpack will process the old roots for another three weeks or so and then switch to the new crop. Usually, the chicory packer exports most of its product to Italy. With Christmas approaching, Sjan expects the next few weeks to be busy. "Though, last year's Christmas rush was somewhat disappointing," he concludes.
For more information:
Reijnpack
Sjan van Gorsel
8 Kwekerijweg
4675 PZ, Sint-Philipsland, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 167 573 148
Email: info@reijnpack.nl
Website: www.reijnpack.nl