In French Brittany, 2% less cauliflower was planted this season than last year. "The planting conditions were good. We had dry and warm weather, so the plants developed their roots well. Because of this warm weather, growth has been slightly delayed, and the harvest is also a bit more evenly spread in terms of area and grower, as rainfall in August and September was very localised. We are currently on schedule or even slightly behind in production," says Jeroen Bosschaart of Le Dauphin.
© Izak Heijboer | FreshPlaza.com
Myriam Le Gall and Jeroen Bosschaart of Le Dauphin during Fruit Attraction
Jeroen joined vegetable exporter Le Dauphin in Brittany, France, 28 years ago. He has been the managing director of the Brittany-based vegetable exporter for many years. "Exports are starting gradually. We are definitely not yet sending large volumes to Northern Europe and the UK. According to my information, it will take another two weeks before there is less local product available in those markets."
"In week 46, contracts with many customers will begin, and operations will get fully underway again," Jeroen says. "We hope for a better season than last year and that we stay neatly in line with our planting schedules, instead of being five weeks ahead of harvest like last season at the end of December, which benefits no one. The price trend over the past two weeks has not been particularly favourable for growers. They are just short of covering their costs. But before that, from mid-August, prices were good."
As in the Netherlands, the shrinking crop protection toolbox is also an issue for French growers. "Especially if we have a mild winter, the risk of slugs or caterpillars in the leaves is a recurring problem, which we can do little or nothing about. This summer, with broccoli and Romanesco, we also had a few very difficult weeks because of this."
According to Jeroen, production and demand for Romanesco and coloured cauliflower remain stable. "For us, the peak periods are in June and October/November, when Benelux is out of product and Spain and Italy have not yet started producing." He sees broccoli as a product with strong potential in the summer. "While the climate in Benelux and Germany is becoming hotter and drier, Brittany offers the right conditions for broccoli cultivation, less heat and a higher chance of rain. We also see the volumes increasing slightly every year, while supply and demand remain well balanced on the French market."
For more information:
Jeroen Bosschaart
Le Dauphin
ZI des Carmes - BP 62
29250 Sant Pol de Leon, France
Tel: +33 298692622
[email protected]
www.ledauphin.fr
