The early asparagus market is developing well at the moment. "Currently prices for double-A asparagus are at around EUR9 to EUR9,50. It is expected that these prices will only rise. This is because the supermarkets will enter the market in the coming week. Easter is also around the corner. Then, however, demand will exceed supply", expects asparagus seller, Rick Mengers of ZON, the Dutch Growers Association.
He added that the market situation is conforming to expectation. "At the moment, most of the asparagus is from greenhouses. There are also minimal amounts from ventilated and mini-tunnels. It is expected that the cold ground asparagus will be ready from week 15. This will be good since we are expecting increased demand from the supermarkets in particular. All-in-all, things are looking positive."
This year, the acreage ZON uses for asparagus cultivation has grown to more than 800 hectares. This is an increase of more than 5% compared to last year. "Competition from other countries is currently still limited. Germany has a slight presence on the market with heated cultivation. Our asparagus is also very popular in Belgium."
Last year, ZON and Teboza an asparagus grower, introduced the 'Echte Limburgse Asperges' ('Real Limburg Asparagus') label. A logo, special cover sheets, inlays, and printed designs for trucks are bringing awareness of this product to consumers. "This year, we are going to focus wholeheartedly on this. We want to put our unique product, under our recognisable name, on the map", concludes Rick.
For more information:
Rick Mengers
ZON
T: + 31 (0) 773 239 540