"This is not the summer we hoped for"

Last year the glasshouse growers and dealers had a difficult time because of the EHEC-crisis, but this summer is not easy as well. It is for open ground growers a better period as more 'winter vegetables' are consumed because of the dark weather? According to Dominiek Keersebilck of REO Veiling the consumer indeed eats less 'summer vegetables' and less glasshouse vegetables such as lettuce. "This is not the summer we hoped for. Up to last week there

was a possibility of a decreasing demand and lower prices for glasshouse vegetables. This has now rectified itself somewhat, but still not to the satisfaction of growers and trade.

Also difficult for open ground vegetables
"As far as open ground vegetables are concerned: these also had a difficult time in spring and this summer. The weather was not favourable during the sorting and planting period and therefore far less was produced. The smaller supply and the increasing demand cause higher prices, but this is not equal to the smaller production. Also in glasshouse vegetables less was produced. The volumes of tomatoes are 10 to 15% less, but they are not fetching higher prices."

Chicory prices a lot higher

"When comparing production figures and prices with last year there are differences

in various vegetables. Up to the end of June leeks fetched on average 50.2 cents

which is the same as last year. With chicory there is a big difference, up to the end of June more was supplied and the average price was 80 cents. Last season this was 62 cents. With summer vegetables there were shortages and good prices in spring. Up to the end of June the average price of tomatoes was 58 cents, a lot more than last year. But then it was of course terribly bad because of the EHEC-crisis. In 2010, however, we had a good average price of 82 cents. Up to the end of June 860,000 kg. of cauliflower was supplied. In 2011 this was 1.2 million kg., a difference therefore of 400,000 kg. Last year the average price was 84 cents and at the moment is 91 cents. As far as price is concerned this is an increase, but this is not equal to the decrease in supply. This is the same for open ground cultivations, such as broccoli, beans etc.

With nice weather saving something will be possible

"All in all there is a lot less production of 'winter vegetables' and summer vegetables

this season and with both there is a decreasing turnover. So far a difficult season for growers and trade. It is looking into the future for the coming period, but perhaps something can still be saved provided the weather improves. Nevertheless we will have the repercussions of spring in the autumn. This because for certain products there is a final moment when sowing and there will be no more production. This will have a serious influence on the supply. Hopefully August and September will be nice months. An advantage is that the consumer can enjoy a wide assortment of fruit and vegetables at affordable prices.

During the coming years the REO Auction House is looking for an increase of amongst others the packing department. In 2011 the site Vuylsteke was added to the auction area and at the moment demolishing and cleaning up have started. "Cleaning up will probably take another two years, but we have various ideas about the enlargement, which will be realised over a period of a few years."

For more information:
Dominiek Keersebilck
REO Veiling
101, Oostnieuwkerksesteenweg
B-8800 Roeselare
Tel: +32-51231206
Fax: +32-51231289
www.reo.be