"Belgium: "Greenhouse cauliflower important top product in Flanders"

Greenhouse cauliflower is an important top product in Flanders and the trade awaits its arrival every year. Guy Jennes from BelOrta says that there is no special start date to when the season begins, but there are always some 'early birds' amongst growers. "This year is naturally earlier than last season because of the warmer weather, and the supply is also larger," he explains.

"Greenhouse cultivation has gradually grown and developed. There have been no problems with frost." He says that each year has seen a small rise in supply. "Apart from last year, but that was exceptional due to the extreme cold. Whether additional production is a trend is difficult to say. We do know that cultivation of greenhouse cauliflower is relatively low energy, and recent energy prices have been high so growers look for crops which use less energy, and could explain the rise in cultivation."

No amazing prices
According to Guy, quality is good. "Definitely in comparison to imported cauliflower. Greenhouse cauliflower looks beautiful, is very soft and is quick to prepare. It is seen everywhere as something special, top cauliflower." He explains that there is a large supply and prices are not great. "At the moment 6 pieces in a lettuce box are delivered for 1.20. A month ago the largest size available was a smaller format, 6 pieces in a tomato box. If we look back to the beginning of March the price was two Euro for the smaller size." If the lovely weather continues, production amounts will increase. "With other crops, growth can be controlled, but this is not possible with cauliflower."

For more information:
Guy Jennes
BelOrta
Supervisor Verkoop
Mechelsesteenweg 120
B-2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver
T +32 (0)15 56 52 94
F +32 (0)15 56 53 60
M +32 (0)478 24 73 09
guy.jennes@belorta.be
www.belorta.be