Just over three weeks ago, Veiling Zaltbommel introduced its digital auction clock system. "There's plenty of interest from growers and buyers in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Especially overseas buyers can now participate without being physically present," says CEO Gerard van den Anker.
"There's increasing market demand for price information, and since few auctions are left, Zaltbommel's auction is used as a reference. We get many price information queries." Gerard is not yet considering a subscription model to share those prices. "At present, it's a service for parties that join, an extra incentive," he says.
The Dutch auction includes an increasing amount of imported products. "Growers and cooperatives from within and outside Europe are joining and supplying us with products. That includes soft fruits and various vegetables. We can, thus, offer our customers a broader range of products outside our growers' season. That's necessary because grower prices and volumes must be balanced with the supply."
"In the top fruit market, apples as well as pears have a positive sentiment, with healthy demand and good prices. Since the introduction of our auction clock, demand has been so high that we're running short of sorted products to serve all our clients. Elstars are becoming scarcer," Gerard explains, "and the demand is shifting to other varieties, like Jonagold, Wellant, and Maribelle. As for soft fruits, we have a nice assortment of strawberries and raspberries from lit cultivation at our disposal, and demand is good."
"It's generally a great season for growers. Though, with all the cost increases, they really can't sell for less. The availability of many products is under pressure, and consumers will have to get used to higher fresh produce prices. Also, for many outdoor crops, the extreme weather makes it challenging, again, to harvest a good-quality new crop. I greatly respect the efforts growers are making," Gerard concludes.
For more information:
Gerard van den Anker
Veiling Zaltbommel
38 Stationsweg
5301 KH, Zaltbommel, The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (0) 651 012 063
g.vandenanker@veiling-zaltbommel.nl
www.veilingzaltbommel.nl