"In recent years the average prices have been too low for the growers," he notes. "In the past weeks, this was between 80 cents and 1.30 and these are nice prizes. But now it's back down to 70 cents. Some growers can not continue. The work is very labour intensive and the costs are high. This is not considered by retailers. Additionally, there is no improvement seen in the prices on year basis, while the total supply at the auctions has been reduced. In recent years, supply has decreased. Consumers are eating differently and there is also more imported from abroad. "
The expectation is that there will be cauliflowers until December (weather permitting). "We're running a little behind. In October there was little supply, normally the most growers stop at the end of the month. These growers are are supplying for longer longer. Supply has been extended by a month. It is not clear whether prices will rise. The possibility is there, but we are all dependent on the weather and offers in the supermarkets. There is now more supply, so that is negative for the price," he concludes.
Jos Stevens
