Netherlands: No more movement in bean sprout market

The average price pressure on fruit and vegetables is also felt among growers and traders of bean sprouts and other sprouts. According to Cor Hurkx of Evers Specials the growth in the market has disappeared. "At the moment the market seems sated. This is mainly due to the current economic slump we're all in. Bean sprouts and other sprouts are often used as ingredients in more luxury and expensive foods, and those are the first things people cut back on. It's important that we promote our product and find our position on the market again."

Evers Specials from Nijmegen grows and trades fresh bean sprouts and other sprouts. according to Cor Hurkx the difficult situation on the trade market is no longer a direct consequence of the trouble last year: "The problems from last year are over. We have to forget them. There's maybe still a little influence from them, but I think it's unimportant. At the moment there's more of an oversupply of sprouts in the countries we export to as a result of a slightly lacking demand. The persistent growth in these markets, that we've had to deal with for a long time, has gone for the moment. It's now important to define yourself as a grower. In the area of quality and service, and perhaps a change in position."

Cor thinks it;s a shame that there is little support for the growers from commodities and the government. "Many growers have suffered a financial blow. Abroad, many local growers have a decent amount of support from the government. We as a sector have the impression that other countries deal with a general emergency more generously than here. It would be nice if the Dutch growers could also count on more support from general sources."

For more information:
Cor Hurkx
Evers Specials
Stationsstraat 33
6515 AA, Nijmegen
Tel: 0243481422
Fax: 0243482140
Mob: 0653345194
E: [email protected]