The Dutch bell pepper is allowed to go to China. Secretary of State Dijksma is signing an agreement to this effect with the Chinese government. Seven Dutch growers have been selected to supply various block, pointed and snack peppers next season.
Chinese enthusiasm at Kwekerij H. van der Waal
At Kwekerij H. van der Waal Chinese auditors regularly visited the grower to check the cultivation and processing over the last year. The growers concerned also have to monitor all kinds of figures. "Keep everything needed, note what happens, keep everything up to day," sums up Hans van der Waal. "More intense than regular checks." But not to no avail: his company is part of the group of seven Dutch growers who are allowed to export peppers to China. "It will be next year," expects Van der Waal. "We will be cutting for another two weeks and then the season will be over." But he is excited about the news. "It's a compliment to us, but it is primarily good for the entire pepper shelf. It's another sales market. Especially during moments when you're in a surplus market, it's important to have enough buyers."
Largest producer
The Netherlands is one of the first countries to supply peppers to China. China itself is the largest pepper producer in the world. "The demand for high value and safe products is increasing," explains secretary of state Dijksma. "China then looks at the Netherlands with its innovative and sustainable greenhouses." Van der Waal also noticed this during a visit from various Chinese journalists two weeks ago. The GroentenFruitHuis organised this to promote the Dutch pepper in China. "They asked whether they can just pick them and eat them. They can."
A visit from Chinese journalists to the greenhouse
Busy in the greenhouse!
Export growth
Just like during the export of peppers to Japan, the trade with China could develop strongly according to the government: from a few million Euro in the first few years to tens of millions on the long term. Around fifteen million within five years are the estimates.
Van der Waal supplies block peppers, both yellow and red, from 8 hectares. He always starts his cultivation reasonably early and can probably cut the first peppers again at the start of March. He supplies through ZON fruit & vegetables and they also take care of the packaging. Chinese writing next year? "It's all possible. Whatever they want from China." He himself hasn't been to the country yet. But if his peppers are there it might be a good opportunity. "To see where they go. Following our peppers."