In Belgium, TOV and cucumbers were slightly pricier last week, though bell pepper prices dipped slightly again. That is according to the Belgian Horticultural Cooperatives' Association' (VBT) latest overview of median prices.
Despite that increase, tomato on the vine prices remain below the five-year average, but the price for loose tomatoes is in line with that average. Compared to last year, prices differ significantly. Prices rose sharply in September when they anticipated a winter with barely any lit crops. This year, the lights are going back on in more places.
Cucumbers' slightly higher price means they have reached their five-year average after being (substantially) lower since August.
Bell peppers have, however, been noticeably more expensive and still are, despite some of their week 37 peak prices being surrendered. Red bell peppers reached just under €1.50/kg, green €1.234, and yellow €1.341.
Like bell peppers, lettuce prices, which also peaked in week 37, are now falling, but considerably faster than bell peppers. The five-year average, which lettuce prices were well above, is looming again. The average unit price in week 39 was €0.394.
Strawberry prices have been fluctuating recently. In week 39, the average price was up, though the average kilogram price of €3.32 is still below the five-year average. As in tomatoes, peak prices, like in 2022, remain out of reach at this time of year.
You can see all the figures at www.vlaanderen.be/landbouwcijfers, and the VBT figures for week 38, here for vegetables and fruit.