The Dutch bell pepper season began at Harvest House last Wednesday. "After a few months of only being able to offer Tunisian bell peppers, we can now start anew with Dutch bell peppers," says sales representative, Marco Bergman.
Marco Bergman. Photo: Harvest House
No lit bell pepper cultivation
"This year's bell pepper season began later than previous ones. That's because we don't have lit bell pepper cultivation. Due to the current energy prices, that's not an option for bell peppers and many other crops this season. Also, some of our growers planted later than usual, so production was delayed too. That's why we're marketing our bell peppers later. We're also starting with a generally slightly smaller volume than last season."
"Harvest House's total bell pepper area has remained roughly the same. However, there's a shift in color distribution. This year, our growers are cultivating more red and less yellow and orange bell peppers. Our data shows that the total acreage in the Netherlands and Belgium has decreased by about 30 ha," Marco continues.
"Commercially, we're facing many challenges. The energy price and the war in Ukraine are, of course, major factors. When we talk to our growers, the gas price has been the topic of conversation for months. The transport sector will be hit hard by high fuel prices, putting pressure on the bell pepper and other fruit and vegetable product logistics."
Photo: Harvest House
Sales to distant lands
Things like local COVID-19 rules are restricting free global travel, which makes trade difficult. For example, there are questions about bell pepper sales to the United States and countries in the Middle and Far East. "We've really missed bell pepper trade with the US, especially these last two years," Marco explains. "We'd hoped demand would pick up a bit before the Ukrainian crisis began. Now, that picture's unclear."
"General consumer buying power, of course, also significantly affects bell pepper sales. If people choose to continue spending on healthy fresh food, there will always be a place for the Dutch bell peppers on their plates. Harvest House's bell pepper acreage is ready for that. Our growers and employees are all prepared to do everything again to make the 2022 bell pepper season successful," Marco concludes.
For more information:
Marco Bergman
Harvest House
Tel: +31 (0) 174 519 291
Email: m.bergman@harvesthouse.nl
Website: www.harvesthouse.nl