"Noteworthy demand for Dutch asparagus from Scandinavia, Germany and Japan"

"The majority of Dutch supermarkets and catering wholesalers already have asparagus in their range. Dutch consumers prefer Dutch produce. But what also stands out is the high demand from Scandinavia, Germany and Japan. Dutch asparagus stand out for their quality grading and taste, which is resulting in sales increasing every year," says Sjraar. "The acreage devoted to Dutch asparagus has been expanding sharply. Fortunately, there is also still some growth in the Dutch asparagus consumption, but we cannot afford to slacken and we can certainly make good use of the export demand."

"A special circumstance this year has been that the asparagus supply from Greece's two producing regions has been relativelt small as a result of the cool weather registered last week, which has further boosted the demand for Dutch asparagus," explains Sjraar. Within the Dutch retail, according to Sjraar, the popularity of peeled asparagus and soup packets is on the rise.

The supply of early Dutch asparagus, from greenhouses and tunnels, has increased sharply at The Greenery in recent years. "This is partly because new greenhouse growers have appeared, but also because the companies supplying The Greenery are relatively large. These larger companies are specialised in asparagus cultivation and are trying to extend the season both in the early and late segments to ensure a more uniform production," explains the trader.

"For the next few weeks, the prospects are great. The supply of unheated crops will follow as soon as the temperatures go up. This usually goes hand in hand with the demand. With good weather, after all, consumption grows, as asparagus is (and will continue to be) the spring vegetable par excellence," concludes Sjraar.