Hans Vanderhallen of Coöperatie Hoogstraten expects significantly less strawberry production this winter. "Maybe only 10 to 20 percent of the normal supply," he estimates in an article by VILT. Increased energy costs make it no longer profitable for growers to grow strawberries in winter. Since lighting is already completely out of the question, there will probably be no strawberries in February.
The director of the cooperative has also already questioned the winter of 2023-2024. "People think it is so easy, but it involves a long planning and cultivation schedule. To grow strawberries next winter, the plants have to be grown now. With these volatile energy prices, growers are refraining from doing that."
Lower productions also affect staff at the auction.