Could we get a mix of Class I and II products on British shelves?

Despite the holiday period, Johan Vrijland of JNV Produce is not complaining about current greenhouse vegetable sales. "The demand for this time of year is exceptionally good. Orders usually drop in August, but this month we cannot complain. Sweet pepper prices are very good. The cucumber market is relatively normal, and has even picked up. Only tomato prices remain below average. I expect the demand to increase, since the holidays in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe are almost over. We also have large European productions, which is not helping. Hopefully we can end the season nicely and have a gradual transition into the Spanish season."

JNV is focuses itself 100% on the English market. After Brexit happened 14 months ago, the situation has changed dramatically. According to the banking sector, it is only a matter of time before the Euro becomes more valuable than the Pound. "The lower Pound will become part of the commercial game. British purchasing power has not improved, and if this trend continues, they will have to raise their prices next year", says Johan. According to the vegetable exporter, not all Britons anticipated this change in circumstances. "They clung to the hope that things would improve, but now you are seeing the first companies folding and others stopping imports. There will be a 'survival of the import fittest'; a rearrangement in the supply chain. The financially weaker links will fall by the wayside and the rest will, hopefully, be able to retain their wholesale prices."

"One thing is sure. The United Kingdom will have to import. I even expect that they will spend less on holidays, buying clothing etc. But people have to eat. I also expect they they will want an affordable product in order to retain sales. Think of sweet peppers in a mixed bag of Class I and II-products. I think they will be less critical about quality, but they will have to meet their clients' specifications.

For more information:
JNV Produce Marketing
242 Honderdland
2676 LV Maasdijk
Tel: +31 17 424 1400
Fax: +31 17 424 4942
sales@jnvproduce.nl