Belgium: Demargro specialised in processing and packaging leeks

"We replaced the traditional 'net bags' for leeks with a bag which is made of 'sprayed plastic'. This gives the advantage of looking more modern and attractive. We can also put a different text and barcode on each bag as the customer desires. Due to the modernisation of the machines we can offer personalised bags with their logos or details for each customer. At the moment Demargro has three packaging machines for leeks, which means they can pack around 33 bags per minute. This means that large volumes can be processed."

"Besides the leeks in bags, Dermargro BVBA also packages leeks in bunches of 1 and 2 kilos. We also have leeks in normal packaging. We supply leeks in 5 kg and 10 kg EPs boxes, EPs folding boxes, ifco boxes, carton boxes of wooden crates. Demargro sells leeks throughout Europe with subsidiary BFC NV. Every country and/or customer has their own desires for quality, packaging and price and we always try to play into that."

According to Guy there is good demand for the Belgian leek at the moment. "But mainly from France and Spain. At the moment it's still calm in the demand from Poland, Czech Republic and other Eastern European countries, but now that the winter is arriving, the demand is starting up. The prices are around 0.20 €/kg higher than they were at this time last year, but the volumes that are being supplied are slightly lower. This is mainly due to the leeks not growing as fast, and the producers waiting a little linger to harvest, to get more kilo's per hectare."