"We're not celebrating before we reach the finish line," says the Dutch cooperative ZON's asparagus buyer, Rick Mengers. "But, so far, the asparagus market's supply and demand are well-balanced."
"Because of the cool weather, supply hasn't been excessive. The mini-tunnel season is almost over so that considerable acreage will fall away. I, thus, don't expect any supply spikes."
"Demand has continued well. A little more sunshine would probably have boosted consumption even more," Rick explains. " But when temperatures reach above 20°C, that usually decreases again. Auction prices are decent, at around €4.60 for AA asparagus."
"It seems retailers are taking even more asparagus than in other years. Also, thanks partly to the cool weather in Germany, exports have gone reasonably well this year. Because of the warm weather, French and Spanish growers are finishing earlier, so exports to those countries are picking up, too," Rick concludes.
For more information:
Rick Mengers
ZON
Tel: + 31 (0) 773 239 540
Email: rick.mengers@royalzon.com
Website: www.royalzon.com