There is a significant shortage in the European chicory market. "We mustn't sell too fast because then you quickly run out of stock," says Dennis Blankendaal of Frysk Witlof. In recent years, the Dutch company has undergone large-scale new construction, and 12 new pulling cells were put into use. "But we're not utilizing that capacity now; some of those cells are empty."
"There was already a shortage on the chicory market, and that supply has only become sparser. That was after the fire at De Groene Agri on Tuesday, where quite a lot of roots are stored. There will be very little chicory available in the coming time. Depending on the sowing and quality, we can expect new chicory only from October. So, we'll have to wait and see what happens," says Dennis.
"Demand was good, and that won't change. I'm not planning any more promotions; that's simply impossible. Prices are currently between €1.50 and €2, but in the run-up to Christmas, we could sell chicory for up to €19 per crate. Absurd amounts, but that craziness happens when you have genuine shortages."
"For growers, it's, of course, nice to earn good money for once, even though supplies are limited," Dennis explains. "They've had quite a few difficult years. The market is now more aware that it doesn't grow by itself. They also have to deal with considerable 'land-hunger'."
Frysk Witlof pulls between 250 and 280 hectares of Dutch and Belgian chicory from root annually. That makes it the largest chicory company in the Netherlands. The current market situation means it has put the focus on further growth on the back burner. "For now, we're focusing on the roots and better payment for our growers. It will undoubtedly take several years before we've restored our stocks. Or the pen cultivation must be better than before," Dennis concludes.
For more information:
Dennis Blankendaal
Frysk-Witlof B.V.
12 Frjentsjerterdyk
8855 XC, Sexbierum, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 517 592 772
Mob: +31 (0) 683 986 424
Dennis@frysk-witlof.nl
www.frysk-witlof.nl