Dutch Lollo rossa, Lollo bionda, romana lettuce and little gem will again be fully available at The Greenery starting next week. Jos Sweep in Prinsenbeek is one of the growers involved in the cultivation. Along with Greenery salesmen Dick Bakker and Barry Vermulm. The grower discusses the upcoming season.
Barry Vermulm and Dick Bakker, two member of the Greenery sales team. Both are ready for a new season.
Because of the mild weather there is a lot of supply in the market: the seasons blend together. How different the situation was last year, when the market was empty through the long winter and prices were high. "This year we might see some shortages in June when the Spanish imports decreases," expects Barry Vermulm, salesman at The Greenery.
Grower Jos Sweep with the little gem. A few more days before harvest.
Lollo rossa is sometimes covered in plastic to protect it during transport.
Russia and Middle East
Key markets for Fresh Fantasy are Russia and the Middle East. "The Middle East is specifically asking for the brand Fresh Fantasy," says salesman Dick Bakker, "but in Russia they find quality important. This is necessary due to the transport time." Lettuce products are important for catering and food service in Russia. In addition, they are increasingly shifting from luxury to commodity products.
In the greenhouse, harvest is already underway.
Little gem
Lettuce acreage at The Greenery is fairly stable, as is demand. Of note is the little gem, introduced in the Netherlands two years ago. Previously, the product came from Spain all year round. "It's a tasty salad, sweet and crisp," explains Sweep. "Tasty without being processed, and for a leaf crop that is pretty special."
The Greenery
Barry Vermulm
barry.vermulm@thegreenery.com
Dick Bakker
d.bakker@thegreenery.com