Lex Ophorst, Rainbow:
Open ground vegetables: Quiet pre-Christmas week, but contracts doing well
During the season of the Dutch open ground vegetables all kinds of things happened again. The cold spring caused a start with high prices, Lex Ophorst of Rainbow International tells. "After that it all came at the same time. The prices at that time unfortunately worked through the whole season." In addition the United Kingdom ordered a lot less cauliflower and broccoli this year. And Eastern Europe actually also none. Their own production there was very good and so the demand for Dutch replacement product is then disappointing. Then you miss the possibility to increase prices somewhat in the daily trading. But the seasonal contracts did a lot of good. Only during the last three weeks good prices were made in the daily trade. Up to and including Monday we still sold Dutch cauliflower. In Spain during autumn it was very hot and following that, it was cold. Then cauliflower only grows in the leaves. Also with broccoli there were large shortages. "From Russia sometimes even Euro 35 was paid for a box of broccoli on ice - but these were only available in limited quantities."
Christmas
The good prices have dropped somewhat again in the meantime and demand could be a little better. "The trade is under pressure somewhat. That is because of the difficult days of Christmas: Monday and Tuesday are two trading days, on which nothing happens actually. The Spanish production is starting and everybody want to get rid of their trade. "At the moment we mainly load for Russia for Christmas. They pay a good price. In Europe it is a bad pre-Christmas week."
Crown Jewel
Rainbow International this year worked with a larger group of 'own' growers. "This has been a pleasure for both sides," Ophorst tells. "At the start of the season we introduced the hallmark Crown Jewel for the open ground vegetables. That created distinction and with that one also realizes a surplus value." Crown Jewel is an exclusive line: only own production of Rainbow is packed in it and then only products of the best quality. Distinction based on quality is becoming more and more important in the trade. The price is important, but if the quality is not the best, then you will get what it is worth at this time. We have various customers for whom the product is still to be transported for 3 to 6 days. If then the quality is still 100% they will come back." If the quality is less as a result of the weather conditions, then the product will not be packed in Crown Jewel, that is to remain exclusive. The surplus value paid goes to the grower. "We will definitely continue this. Last month the label "Crown Jewel'" was also introduced in the red onions. And this will certainly not be the last product."
For more information:
Lex Ophorst
Rainbow International BV
9, Poortcamp
2678 PT De Lier
T. +31 174 52 41 22/46
F. +31 174 52 41 19
[email protected]
www.rainbowgrowers.nl