This year's Brussels sprouts supply is not particularly large in the Netherlands. "Nationally, growers are harvesting about a third less. That's mainly due to the dry summer, but the wet fall didn't spur further growth. In fact, some fields were completely lost," says André Noordhoek of Noordhoek Agro, who grows Brussels sprouts and handles five fellow growers' sales.
"Prices are much higher than in other years. You pay between €1 and €1.25/kg for the B-sprouts. The A's are selling for €0.80 and €1.15. Some customers are grumbling about the current prices. If you're used to €0.40 or €0.50, it's quite a hefty price. But we need that increase to compensate for losing a third of the acreage and rising costs. Also, if you consider the price per serving on your plate, it's not that bad."
"I foresee Brussels sprouts prices only continuing to climb as Christmas approaches. This product remains a classic on Christmas menus. There aren't many other vegetables either. Demand is healthy and increasing," says André, who mainly supplies traders, exporters, and several supermarkets directly with Brussels sprouts.
"Quality-wise, it's not an easy season. It's going okay at the moment, but in the past weeks, we've had a lot of sorting work." SproutCam's optical sorter, which André helped develop, is being put to good use. "It works exceptionally well. I've just ordered a second one," he concludes.
For more information:
André Noordhoek
Noordhoek Agro
8 Groendalseweg
2665 LH, Bleiswijk, NL
Tel.: +31 (0) 622 233 704
canoordhoek@kpnmail.nl