Sales-wise, it could become a good year for Dutch red and white cabbage. "There was little precipitation during the growing season, so growth stagnated, with a kilo occasionally added. There seems to be less overseas competition, though, as growers elsewhere suffered even more drought. That allows prices to rise nicely," says one trader.
The reasonable prices are much needed because, in cabbage too, costs have risen so much that many growers are in dire straits. "For one thing, energy costs have gone up, making storage expensive. That can mean quick sales, but everyone still wants to wait for the best prices. Growers with solar panels are in a favorable position, but unfortunately, that's not true for everyone. Plus, personnel costs keep climbing. The minimum wage will increase by ten percent. Costs are, thus, starting to pile up."
Many are hoping for a better season than last year. "Harvesting is still ongoing, and the last cabbages will be cut by, at least, the end of December. For the time of year, prices are reasonable. Most growers are harvesting now, which means there's somewhat less supply," continues the grower.
"Ultimately, the hope is that with less overseas competition, prices may become high during the season. As for consumption, it needs to get a little colder before people reach for cabbage en masse. The nice temperatures aren't ideal for us. However, it remains to be seen how things will turn out. The world is very changeable at the moment."
Also, much is still being done in this cultivation sector to find alternative, green crop protection products. "That's necessary because that product range is increasingly shrinking, but there are no alternatives. Products disappear so quickly that people don't have the time to test alternatives. As a result, we'll soon have to settle for lower quality as insects, diseases, and pests may become uncontrollable," the grower concludes.
