"Due to abundant rain and sunshine, cauliflower yields have been good, slightly higher than expected, and we are ahead of schedule with the harvest. This has led to more cauliflower being cut. However, we're seeing that there's more than enough cauliflower available across Europe, so it's a constant push and pull to get everything moved," says Key Account Manager Jurgen Ratelband of Tolpoort Vegetables, the market leader in cauliflower in the Dutch market.
© Tolpoort Vegetables
Jurgen Ratelband
"At the same time, we're noticing that supply is starting to decline slightly, but sales remain quite challenging. Last week, prices saw a slight uptick, but they are now under significant pressure again, hovering around 5 to 6 euros per package," Jurgen continues. "Fortunately, our regular retail customers are quite open to promotions, but with this surplus in open field production, more parties are eager to have their product featured. Because we've secured a reasonable volume with retailers, our growers are still receiving a decent payout price."
"Looking ahead to the next few weeks, supply will certainly dip, as many harvests have already been brought forward. That will definitely lead to a temporary shortage. At the same time, we're entering the summer holiday period, and the hot weather in Europe isn't helping to drive cauliflower consumption. Still, if gaps appear somewhere in Europe—and they surely will, since so much has already been harvested—opportunities will arise again," Jurgen concludes on a hopeful note.
As for coloured cauliflower, Tolpoort Vegetables limits itself to the green variety. According to the account manager, the market situation for that type is similar to the white variety, with high supply and limited demand. The cooperative traditionally begins harvesting Romanesco only in August.
For more information:
Jurgen Ratelband
Tolpoort Vegetables
Tolweg 7
1616 AT Hoogkarspel
Tel: +31 (0)228 565781
[email protected]
www.tolpoortvegetables.com
