For Atilla Dagvers, a foodservice wholesaler based in Deerlijk, Flanders, the transition from the winter season to spring has truly begun. "When people feel the sun and warmth, they forget about cabbages and sprouts and start thinking about summer products. Sales of salads with green fennel, microleaves, and sorrel are on the rise, and with Easter around the corner, asparagus is naturally in high demand," says owner Atilla Vandenbogaerde.
However, the start of the Belgian asparagus season wasn't quite as hoped. The supply was limited and prices skyrocketed, but as the young entrepreneur explains, it's now much easier to work with. "Due to the limited supply, we could only really get started a week later, but since this week, sales have been strong. Everything is available; from soup asparagus to triple A's. The supply is now hitting the market, which has also brought prices back to a reasonable level. Yesterday they were a bit more expensive, but on Monday they were cheaper again. As we approach Easter, it's a good time to work with them."
And it's just as well, because the peak demand period for the 'white gold' is coming up. "As soon as the sun starts shining, everyone wants asparagus. The mood wasn't quite there yet, and we were still selling more stew vegetables than asparagus, but since this week, we've really taken off and they're flying off the shelves." Atilla expects that asparagus will be available for every enthusiast during Easter. "Traditionally, prices are always a bit higher towards Easter due to the high demand. However, I expect them to be reasonable, promising a great period ahead. Moreover, the quality looks very good."
Not stopping with Belgian strawberries
This applies, he says, to a large extent of the products. "Everything in terms of product is top-notch. We have nothing to complain about. We specialize in strawberries and are still receiving beautiful products from the greenhouse. We mainly work with Sonata, which is quite pricey, but sells well. We also have mini strawberries in our range, little candy bombs, which are very popular. They are slightly cheaper and also less interesting for bakeries, as they are difficult to use for a tart. However, they are very popular with restaurants."
Summer fever
A busy period, Atilla states. "There's always a lot of demand from the hospitality industry around Easter. Especially from large caterers, we are now receiving many requests, as parties, communions, and weddings are starting up again with the arrival of the sun. They are now preparing for that. I hear and expect that we will have very good months in May and June. In addition, restaurants are currently busy composing Easter menus, looking at products like wild garlic, monk's beard, and of course asparagus. Moreover, I understand that from the beginning of next week, Dutch sea lavender will be available, which is always a highly demanded product. So, we certainly won't be sitting still," he laughs.
"Other notable bestsellers are French tomatoes, like the Coeur de Boeuf, but really all French tomatoes with flavor. They sell very well, but this actually applies to all summer products, such as salads with various herbs mixed in. Summer is on consumers' minds, which means for us the transition to a new season. We're looking forward to it!"
For more information:
Atilla Vandenbogaerde
Atilla Dagvers
René De Clercqstraat 2
8540 Deerlijk, Belgium
+32 (0)56 71 14 68
info@atilla.be
www.atilla.be