The market situation for vegetables could currently be called ‘confusing.’ “One product is very expensive and the other very cheap. Especially outdoor products are expensive, because so many have been lost due to rain. Greenhouse vegetables are cheaper in general, because they have not been affected by the weather conditions,” says Robert van Ooijen. “Besides, with outdoor vegetables it depends on the product how quickly it recovers from the bad weather. The influence of the holidays is also felt.”
Prices vary
“Of the types of lettuce for example, Lollo Rosso and frisée lettuce are very expensive, but Lollo Bionda on the other hand is not very expensive at all. The prices for aubergines are also better than anticipated. Spinach is notable, last week spinach sold for 6 to 7 euros per kilo, and yesterday (18 July) prices were below one euro. Spinach, by the way, is a good example of a product that grows quickly. After the setback of the wet weather new spinach had been planted right away. Those are already being sold at auction now.”
Bell peppers
According to Van Ooijen, bell peppers are doing well, but not excessively so. “A large difference in price exists between small and large. Large green bell peppers (80ers) are sold at around 80 cents, but 70ers have to settle for 50 cents less. Red bell peppers are now increasing. Last week, prices were at 1.20, and now between 1.50 and 1.60. Yellow bell peppers started high, but yesterday got stuck on 1.40.”
Tomatoes
Tomatoes experienced a revival, but are now back where they started. “In trade there is a saying that the market collapses after a national French holiday, and indeed, prices are lower again now. Whereas they were at 80 cents last week, they are now around 35 cents. Vine tomatoes were sold at almost 50 cents, but beefsteak tomatoes were only sold around 45 to 50 cents. Those are not good prices for cultivators.”
For more information:
Robert van Ooijen
Groenten en fruit import van Ooijen B.V.
Linnenstraat 3
2988 XL Ridderkerk