In week 7, lamb's lettuce sold at an average of €12 at VBT's auction in Belgium. So, week 6's sharp price drop proved to be short-lived.
Week 7's prices were maintained at the start of this week too. That's according to the cooperative, REO Veiling's, Wendy Lefevere. "The warmer, sunnier weather has sped up greenhouse production tremendously. Demand is currently good, and there's enough product available."
Year-round
REO Veiling markets lamb's lettuce in two ways - pre-packaged and in bunches for the fresh market. For the prepackaged market, the REO growers work under contract. But fresh market auction prices can fluctuate considerably.
In warm, sunny weather, this product's growth cycle is shorter; in winter, it lasts longer. Then a cycle lasts about three months. In February and March, cultivation speeds up, and a cycle lasts about a month.
Demand also varies. "We have lamb's lettuce available all year round. Price changes depend mainly on demand. Of course, there's less demand from the hospitality industry at the moment. But there is from greengrocers and retailers," concludes Wendy.
All the figures
You can see all the Horticultural Auction Association's week 7's figures (in Dutch) here. REO Veiling is a member of this association. There are decreases in greenhouse vegetables. There are two reasons for that. Firstly, there was a larger supply of cucumbers. These included the first organic Dutch and Belgian cucumbers. TOV average prices also dropped.
For more information:
Wendy Lefevere
REO Veiling
101 Oostnieuwkerksesteenweg
8800, Roeselare, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 51 231 211
Fax: +32 (0) 51 231 289
email: wendy.lefevere@reo.be
Website: www.reo-veiling.be