Ukraine sets the pace for Dutch cabbage exports. So when the conflict there began, that suddenly ground to a halt. However, according to Martin Bolhuis of Tuindersbelang in the Netherlands, Ukraine is buying again. Tuindersbelang organizes central sales for some 60 cabbage growers.
"The rest of the market is progressing in fits and starts," says Martin, "but that often happens when Eastern Europe is on the market. They buy in bulk and then fall away. Sales in the coming weeks, therefore, depend very much on that region. The other countries should also be back on the market now. That won't be problematic right away, although the cabbage price won't explode, just like that, either."
Martin Bolhuis and Richard Kruijer
"White cabbage (9/10 in 25kg) is currently selling for €0.33/€0.34, crate included. The small ones (6 in 10kg) for €0.40 to €0.42. Red cabbage is getting between €0.45 and €0.46, and €0.83 for the small ones," says Martin. "Red cabbage prices are especially good. We're not dissatisfied with the white cabbage, but costs have also risen sharply. You need a few cents more just for the increased electricity price."
"There's certainly not too much stock in the Netherlands and, as far as I know, that's true overseas too. In the east, especially, cabbage is starting to run out. New cabbage should replace that, although transport is particularly challenging. It's difficult everywhere to get the cabbage to its destination via the normal routes," Martin concludes.
For more information:
Martin Bolhuis
Tuindersbelang
3 Dergmeerweg
1749 VA, Warmenhuizen, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 226 391 000
Email: tuindersbelang@hetnet.nl
Website: www.tuindersbelang.nl