"The Belgian greenhouse vegetable season went smoothly this year." This is reported by Katrien De Backer from Lava. "However, there are striking differences between the crops."
Loose tomatoes
"The acreage of loose tomatoes in 2017 was comparable to that of 2016. There were some shifts in the acreage. At the Baron, there was a 30% increase in beef tomatoes, and a 15% decrease in the Prince acreage. A strong start to the season in the months March and April in terms of pricing were followed by a period with low prices from mid-May to mid-June. The better prices in the autumn ensured an acceptable annual average. The current higher prices are a consequence of the higher prices for southern products. Traditional cultivation continues till Christmas and is followed by winter cultivation. For the next season we expect an increase in winter cultivation."
Vine tomatoes
"The national acreage of 2017 was 5% less than in 2016. The pricing was comparable to that of the loose tomatoes. At the moment the vine tomatoes can also benefit from the fact that southern products are very expensive and scarce. The traditional cultivation is coming to an end, and is currently being supplemented with the new harvest from the autumn cultivation. In recent years it has become more and more clear that the autumn is a stronger period for the tomatoes. The lighted winter cultivation in vine tomatoes will also start this week. For the next season there is also an increase in winter cultivation."
Eggplant
"The national acreage this year was just as large as in 2016. For next year we expect an increase of 20%. Compared to other years, strong clock prices were achieved this year. That applied for most sortings."
Cucumber
"The acreage in 2017 was almost 3% higher than in 2016. Next year, this is expected to remain stable. In contrast to the two previous seasons (2015 and 2016), 2017 was characterized by moderate clock prices without large price peaks that usually may occur during the crop change. In the month of August, bottom prices were recorded."
Bell pepper
"The acreage for green peppers this season was comparable to 2016. Red peppers increased by 15%, while the acreages of the yellow and orange bell peppers reduced slightly. Moderate prices were recorded for all colors without peaks and troughs. For next season a 10% reduction in the acreage for the green pepper is expected and a decline of 5% for red peppers. The acreage yellow and orange peppers remains stable."
For more information:
LAVA cvba
Katrien De Backer
Leuvensesteenweg 130 A
3191 Boortmeerbeek
Tel. +32(0)15 50 42 54