Things are not currently running smoothly on the Brussels sprout market. "There's been quite a bit of pressure on the market for a few weeks now," says Andre Noordhoek of Noordhoek Agro in the Netherlands. "The acreage increased slightly, and sales are somewhat disappointing. The throughput just isn't running fast enough. That applies to exports, but local actions are sparse too. It's almost all small orders."
"Presently, prices are between €0.35 and €0.45. That's actually too low." Andre grows Brussels sprouts and markets them, as well as those from fellow growers, mainly to exporters. "Germany is our largest export destination. Occasionally the sprouts go further afield, like to the United Arab Emirates. But these aren't structural buyers."
Purple Brussels sprout harvesting began last week. "These sales are good. Especially considering that many of them are meant for the hotel and catering industry," says André. How will the market develop? "There'll certainly be some pressure on the market. Demand could, however, increase as it gets colder. You can't blame decreased sales on quality - that's exceptionally good this year," he concludes.
For more information:
André Noordhoek
Noordhoek Agro
8 Groendalseweg
2665LH, Bleiswijk, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 622 233 704
Email: canoordhoek@kpnmail.nl