The consequences of the tropical storm Leslie, which had instilled fear into many Spanish open field growers, did not cause much damage according to Rien Paans, Vefru Europe. "Only around Barcelona and Girona there were problems with rain, but in the end it was not really bad."
Broccoli
The Spanish broccoli harvest began three weeks ago, but because of quality problems due to high temperatures and moist nights, Vefru decided to hold back. "Now the quality is excellent, and we have started exporting. The demand from The Netherlands is rather high."
Cauliflower
Rien moved back to Tarragona with his wife sixteen years ago, and for the last ten years their son Arthur has joined them. Based in Spain, father and son are completely focused on customers in The Netherlands and Belgium. "One of us has always seen the product that is exported!"
Rien: "The butternut squashes in the area Tarragona / Benicarlo have been harvested for the main part. The larger ones traditionally are cut up and the smaller ones are sold on the fresh market. The demand for butternut squashes is increasing in the past years, and we have supply at least to the end of May 2019."
Vefru always starts with the typical winter vegetables such as cauliflower, conical cabbage, endive, and kale around the beginning of December. "That is a fine moment to start because The Netherlands are really lacking at that time. This season we see a shortage in other countries, and there is already a demand for particularly conical cabbage. Demand is especially high in Germany, so we expect a good start in the season."
Kale
According to the Dutchman in Spain, planting and growth of the various vegetables is going fine. "We are proud to offer all Spanish vegetables with the PlanetProof certificate. It did take some effort to convince Spanish growers, but we are proud of those that have taken a risk."
For more information:
Rien and Arthur Paans
Vefru Europe
Mob Rien: +34 669221480
Mob Arthur: +34 639546103
rien@verfrueurope.com
arthur@verfrueurope.com