Van de Watering from Breda started importing French lettuce from subsidiary La Cabanne du Soleil from Raphele les Arphes, last week, where the production of alternative lettuce varieties takes place.
"The growing conditions in France are good. At the moment the market is a little under pressure, because there is also Spanish, Italian and Dutch lettuce available," says John Kuper.
The peak for the sales of lettuce at Van de Watering isn't around the holidays, according to John, but in the first two weeks of the years, as the supply of lettuce in Holland is low and enough can be supplied from their own Southern European cultivation areas.
"I expect most customers to switch within two weeks. The demand is starting to increase and we are getting the right prices. We are positive about the prospects."
Van de Watering has focussed on French supply for its lettuce supply. This choice is based on quality, but also to control costs.
La Cabanne de Soleil grows red and green oak leaf lettuce, lollo rosso and lollo biondo. Most of the French lettuce is sold by Van de Wateringen in Germany, but the Russian market is also becoming more important.