“Spanish greenhouse vegetable supplies had a hard time of it recently. This was during the festive season. It was due to a few transportation issues. It gets more difficult every year. Greenhouse vegetable prices fluctuated a little. However, when it comes to supply, there was sufficient product to meet demand," says Guy Deryckere of the Belgian import company, Van Lier. “We also cannot complain about the quality. We are pleased."
“The current tomato story is progressing as we have predicted for several years ago. There is a year-round supply of Belgian and Dutch tomatoes. That means some clients do not even get supplies from any other country of origin anymore. They are also looking for more price-friendly products. They then switch quite quickly to Moroccan tomatoes. Even though most of these brands are only delivered without stalks."
"This is making things extraordinarily difficult for Spanish tomatoes. Price-wise, it is about the other two countries of origin. You can still sell Spanish tomatoes if the Belgian ones are expensive. Certain clients simply have to have firm, nicely colored tomatoes. These must also have their stalks still attached," explains Guy.
Prices for other products are at an acceptable level at the moment. These are bell peppers, cucumbers, aubergines, and courgettes. "We can conclude that the season is going reasonably well. But it is getting continually shorter. This is as Belgian and Dutch greenhouse vegetables are being offered for longer and longer. The season is also starting increasingly early. These products are, however, not yet available year-round," concludes Guy.
