In early July, white cabbage is selling for almost €1/kg. That is unusual, says Martin Bolhuis of the Dutch brokerage Tuindersbelang which organizes central sales for some 60 cabbage growers. "Red cabbage is going for €0.90. Generally, a fairly unique market situation," he says.
"Sales are going well, too. Stocks are low, actually, throughout Europe. Even in Germany, also a typical storage country. That's very noticeable because demand remains good. There's even an occasional good sales week when England takes a lot of cabbage. Last year's odd growing season means the cabbage is of somewhat lower quality than other years, though there are vast differences depending on soil type and harvest times," Martin explains.
"We're hearing good things from Poland too. The early cabbage is well-priced, which ties in nicely with the stored cabbage. In the Netherlands, the first new cabbages have also been sold, though slightly below the prices mentioned." Martin does not expect any major volume changes for the new season. "More growers have stopped while others are expanding. Our package will, as far as we can see, have the same volumes as last year," he concludes.
