Brussels sprout prices drop after good start to season

The Dutch Brussels sprout season started with good prices, partly due to lower yields. But now prices are lower, "Yields were not very high and demand is remaining low due to the warmer weather. We could really use a drop in temperature," says Menno Molenaar from Van Oers United.

"I do not expect top yields in the coming weeks because everyone is busy harvesting. The quality is better than last year and we are very happy about that," continues Menno. He remains optimistic about Brussels sprout consumption, "We are seeing an upward trend in Europe."

According to Menno, the Brussels sprout growing area is relatively stable in the Netherlands, "If there are changes, the growing area would be more likely to shrink than to expand. Van Oers supplies Brussels sprouts throughout Europe to a wide range of customers, ranging from retailers to exporters, and processors to the food service sector. On a small scale the company also supplies organic Brussels sprouts, "Demand for organic Brussels sprouts is pretty high, but meeting this demand is quite complex, because it is not an easy crop," says Menno.

The company started supplying purple Brussels sprouts this week, "They are selling well. They are being sent to numerous destinations, from Benelux to the United States. Purple Brussels sprouts are a specialty item and you should not think too big with specialty items, but it is definitely a product with the potential for growth," says Menno.

For more information:
Menno Molenaar
Van Oers United
Tel: +31 (0)186-608052
[email protected]
www.vanoersunited.com