Over the past two years leek sales have been quite unexceptional. But recently the new harvest has caused a small revival in the leek market. "Two weeks ago prices were around 50-55 cents, and now we are at 65-70 cents," says Gijs van den Oever, a salesman for Van den Elzen Groentenverwerking (vegetable processing). "But costs are higher with the new harvest, so we need this price increase."
Gijs van den Oever and Paul van den Elzen
Due to the cold spring, the new harvest was ready later compared to previous years, and that resulted in less kilos, "We started this week with new leeks, while last year we had already started the first week of June," says Gijs. "Fortunately, we have received compliments from our customers about the thickness and shaft length of these leeks. It is always an art to start with the longest shaft possible so that the difference between the old and new crop is as least noticeable as possible. Our customers are not waiting for small stubs or thin leeks. In any case, it is a challenge to have leeks year round, especially during the hard times. That is why the transition from the old crop to the new crop is so important."
The grower - with more than 200 acres of crops - sells leeks separately, packaged and pre-cut. Customers can also get short cut leeks, consisting of only the white stem, the exact specification is determined in consultation with the customer. "It varies by market or time. This is not the case in the Netherlands, but in the United Kingdom and France you can find a lot more of the short stalks," says Gijs
Gijs thinks it is dangerous to talk about expectations for the new season, "Right now our motto is: see first, then believe. We put pressure on ourselves to deliver the perfect leek. Although we cannot say how the season will unfold, a real winter is always good for the leek market. You have a wide range of options with leeks, so when it comes to sales we don't just focus on one area: from supermarkets to market vendors and restaurants to vegetable processors. We are seeing that domestic sales are becoming increasingly important because abroad is becoming more and more self-sufficient. But, through exporters, our leaks can be found in countries like Japan, the United States, Poland and Italy. You can actually find our leeks everywhere," says Gijs.
Since communication and service is becoming increasingly important in the market, Van den Elzen has revamped it's website. Gijs is inviting everyone, especially those with little to no knowledge of leek cultivation, to check out the newly improved website. On the website you can find the above company film. In the film you can follow the Van den Elzen leek season.
For more information:
Van den Elzen Groenteverwerking
Duifhuizerweg 21
5406 TB Uden
Tel: +31(0)413-782 999
Mob: +31(0)6-27050202 (Gijs)
Mob: +31(0)6-54795196 (Paul)
info@elzengroentenverwerking.nl
Nieuwe website: www.prei.nl