In recent years it has been different, but cucumber prices have been at a decent level throughout this entire season. “This week is extreme, with prices reaching up to 75 cents for 40ers. Belgian auctions are showing similar prices,” explains Corne van Winsen of ZON. “Demand is wide. Especially Germany and the UK are participating well. Supply is fairly stable, I expect the good market to last a little longer.”
Van Winsen explains that the high prices are partly due to cultivation shifts and loss of area because of hail. “Fourteen hectares less has a significant effect for cucumbers. On the cucumber market it is often ‘pick up and drop off,’ but a price level between 50 and 70 cents is ideal. If prices go over 80 cents, trade and retail will not be able to afford the cucumbers anymore.”