The new Senegalese sweetcorn season has begun at Hermans Suikermais. "The first corn was loaded on the boat last week. The first arrival is planned for today," says Giel Hermans. He adds that the harvest in Senegal. "Last year, we had a moderate Senegalese season with limited availability. But the current crop is plentiful. We have programs with three major suppliers, including SCL and GDS."
Left: Hermans' maize crop, right: Con Storm.
This Dutch company gets corn from Senegal from December to May. So, Senegal is an important supply country. "After that, we switch to Morocco. We could continue in Senegal for longer. But it's too hot then. That country would no longer be able to compete on quality. We're, however, carefully considering alternatives and aren't ruling Florida out."
Young corn.
The sweetcorn demand is not very high at present. "Everyone's been hoarding corn in the last few months. So, now, sales are much quieter," says Giel. The first supply was somewhat delayed due to a transport strike. "We were there last week. And although it was a weekday, it looked like Sunday. The vans, which transport people to the field, weren't running either. Most people use those for transport."
"Rising costs are an issue, though. People are negotiating the minimum wage. But things like fertilizer and transport prices, too, have increased sharply. Transport costs €900 more per container. Completely different prices are being quoted for next year's contracts. That worries me because it has to be paid for somewhere."
Bean crop.
Chili crop for a Dutch trading house.
During the trip, Giel also noticed that Senegal is developing significantly. "The infrastructure has improved, but there are also many developments in cultivation. For example, Dutch parties have started growing beans and chilies. In other years, there were sometimes lots of Dutch onions on the markets. But I found that share to be limited this year."
New Auchan supermarket's vegetable department.
"Supermarkets, too, are working noticeably hard. Several have opened in the past few months. There, fruit and vegetables are far more expensive than at the markets. Apparently, it's a kind of status symbol to do your shopping at a supermarket," Giel concludes.
For more information:
Giel Hermans
Hermans Suikermais
1a Donk
5995 PL, Kessel, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 774 629 325
Mob: +31 (0) 654 757 764
Email: giel@mielies.nl
Website: www.mielies.nl