t's quiet in the Belgian fruit and vegetable trade and this is partly to do with the weather. Trading on Tuesday (March 12) went differently than expected, according to Bart Charetier of Herwi RURIS. "People were advised last week morning to stay indoors because of wintry conditions and most traffic came to a stand still. Everything started to get going again in the afternoon. This had a significant impact on our product sales. It is still anyone's guess as to whether the weather will continue to influence domestic sales in the coming days." "The price of chicory wasn't very good in the first months of the year. The market did get a boost from several promotions at the end of last week, but the prices are still not at a constant level," the trader says. "10 to 15 cents was added on last Monday for loose chicory but that trend didn't continue this morning. The packaged ones remained at the same price level as well.
We didn't get the impression that the recovery is definitive, however that is what this sector desperately needs. Whatever will happen with chicory in the coming weeks is highly dependent on the weather. Once spring arrives, consumers prefer to eat peppers, asparagus, cucumbers and lettuce. That is always a more difficult period for the chicory trade. We are told that the largest volumes have been reached in France and now the kilos will start to decline. Maybe that provides an opening for our export."
High leek prices
Bart also indicates that leek prices are currently very high. This is positive for growers but it is not easy for trade. The prices for the extra quality are close to 2.00 Euro this morning and are around 1.50 for lesser quality. There is currently more class I in stock than Flandria. Herwi RURIS supplies a comprehensive range of fruit and vegetables. Their main products include chicory, tomatoes and leeks.
