"It's often been said in recent years that Easter is better for fresh produce sales than Christmas, but last Easter week wasn't particularly strong either," says Robert van Ooijen of Van Ooijen Groenten en Fruit, who buys daily at the BelOrta, REO, and Hoogstraten auctions for customers in the Dutch market. "Maybe it's because so many products are available year-round. It's no coincidence that only asparagus is achieving high prices."
Pepper prices collapsed
"The double A asparagus is selling for €12–13, which is a good price," Robert notes. "But beyond that, it's a bleak picture, and many products are very cheap. The pepper market is a prime example, with prices collapsing. Tomato prices have also already dropped this week, and although aubergines are rising slightly, they are still not expensive."
"With cucumbers, we're seeing a more typical price trend. There are slightly fewer on the market due to crop transitions, so prices will probably rise a bit more. Strawberries aren't too expensive for this time of year either, with prices just over €2," Robert continues. "The only products that remain relatively pricey are those that haven't fully started yet. For instance, peppers are still selling at €6–6.50, and butter beans and string beans are also on the higher side, but that's purely due to limited volumes."
"Cauliflower prices are also low, with the best greenhouse heads going for €0.90. Lettuce was really expensive earlier this year, especially Lollo Rossa and Lollo Bionda. Spain had a tough winter due to bad weather, and the French supply also stalled. Now that the Dutch season is starting again, supplies are picking back up."
Negative mood
According to Robert, the overall negative sentiment is partly due to the uncertainty caused by the recently announced trade tariffs in the United States. "Still, I expect things to pick up, as they do every year. As long as the auction is running and people need products, we serve a purpose. But it's a pity that prices are so low. That doesn't benefit anyone—not the growers, and not us either."
"As an independent player, anyone can buy Belgian clock products from us. The big players usually handle this themselves, but wholesalers who need just a few pallets can easily turn to us. They're guaranteed day-fresh products. That's not always the case with standard trading houses. Our strength is being on site and providing an additional quality check to ensure everything reaches our customers in perfect condition."
For more information:
Robert van Ooijen
Groenten en fruit import van Ooijen B.V.
Linnenstraat 3
2988 XL Ridderkerk
Auction: +3215565531
Mobile: +31651545998
robert@vanooijenbv.nl
www.vanooijenbv.nl