Today the situation continues to be problematic for the frozen vegetables sector. In the North of Europe, expected shortages are reported for leek (30%), cabbages (10%) and Brussels sprouts (30%), products typically produced in Belgium.
The situation is further aggravated by crop losses in Spain, due to the extreme weather conditions since summer 2016. During the month of September the highest temperatures of the last fifty years were reported in Andalusia, Murcia, Navarra, Extremadura and Levante. In December, the worst rains of the last 70 years occurred in southern Andalusia, Murcia and Levante, causing severe flooding and damage to the various harvests.
In January 2017 the worst conditions of cold and intense snow in Levante, Murcia and Navarra have occurred, circumstances that had not been seen in the last 35 years. As a consequence, producers and processors are suffering serious losses in Spain for different crops, especially for broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, zucchini, artichoke, eggplant and romanesco. Part of the artichoke crop is frozen and other crops are suffering a severe slowdown in product growth. For broccoli and cauliflower losses of 50% have already been
reported.
Also in Italy, damages are reported for the late-winter crops, following the heavy snowfall and frost that hit the south-central of Italy in January. Crops affected include: artichokes, cauliflowers, broccoli, spinach, celery and fennels. First estimations show a reduction in field yields for broccoli and cauliflowers of around 40-45%.
The combination of the problems in the North of Europe, already reported in 2016, and the additional problems now reported in the South, are expected to have an impact on the total European supply. The total impact on European supply cannot be estimated at this moment, but it is clear that the situation is creating a supply side under pressure.
reported.
Also in Italy, damages are reported for the late-winter crops, following the heavy snowfall and frost that hit the south-central of Italy in January. Crops affected include: artichokes, cauliflowers, broccoli, spinach, celery and fennels. First estimations show a reduction in field yields for broccoli and cauliflowers of around 40-45%.
The combination of the problems in the North of Europe, already reported in 2016, and the additional problems now reported in the South, are expected to have an impact on the total European supply. The total impact on European supply cannot be estimated at this moment, but it is clear that the situation is creating a supply side under pressure.
