Leek prices up slightly

The leek market has been quiet the entire summer. Prices have increased a bit since last week, says Geert Vilez from Demargro. "Today (9/22) prices were between 12 and 18 cents. Last week it was under 10 cents." According to Vilez, this price difference is most likely due the fact that there is less supply available now. "Last week supply was higher. The producers hesitated and then delivered less leek. Also, the weather was not good last week, at least not for the leeks. It was 27 degrees on Thursday, that is not really conducive to leek sales."

Export still has to start up
According to Vilez there is very little export. "We are sending a little to France, but the rest still has to come. I expect it to really start in October. Vilez says that the weather will determine what will happen in the next few weeks. "Last season was difficult due to the warm temperatures. I fear low prices with such a mild winter. A strong winter would mean a whole other story, but right now it is not looking very good."

In terms of export there is very little going to Russia. "Russia played a very small role in the leek market. If we did sell something to Russia, it was only two to three pallets of leeks per truck. Never trucks full of leeks. Therefore, the pressure in the leek market right now does not have much to do with the situation in Russia."

For more information:
Geert Vilez
Demargro BVBA
Tombrugstraat 11
8850 Ardooie, België
Tel: +32 (0)51 74 70 75
Fax:+32 51 74 58 11
www.demargro.be