Dutch pepper season ends in disappointment

The Dutch pepper market appears to be grinding to a halt, as the season is heading for a disappointing conclusion. "We’re currently looking at price levels between 5 and 35 cents. There’s some export going to Eastern Europe, but for very little money. Growers are already clearing their greenhouses, cutting their losses. I wouldn’t be surprised if this signaled a premature end of what has been a deeply dissatisfying season,” says Johan Joosen of Scherpenhuizen.

The low prices apply to all colors. "Orange peppers did alright earlier this week, but now they’ve dwindled to about 30 cents," says Johan. "Spain has had some exceptional weather recently, and is now saturating the market with huge volumes. Most supermarkets have already switched to Spanish produce."

"Israel sold the first peppers to Russia this week. But whether or not the Israelis will see any actual money remains to be seen, of course," Johan continues. "For the Netherlands, it was a year without highlights, and with considerably lower payout rates than in the preceding season. The question is what the consequences will be. Will there be a massive reduction in the numbers of operators next year? I don’t necessarily believe so, but there could be."