Spanish vegetables are currently well-priced, yet the market lacks momentum, observes Pieter de Ruiter of 4 Fruit Company. "Due to rain and low temperatures, supply is inconsistent, and Spanish suppliers are demanding high prices. The only issue is that we're unwilling to pay those prices here."
"For example, thrips are currently affecting Spanish pepper production, leading to lower yields. This is clearly reflected in the market, as supply remains limited. The price of red peppers is between €12.50 and €13, good green peppers sell for €10-11, while yellow and orange peppers go for €14-15," the trader explains. "Spanish tomatoes are priced between €9-10, though they are not in abundant supply either. There are also good Moroccan tomatoes available, but that market remains sluggish. Spanish courgettes are selling for €9-9.50."
"Cucumbers are also struggling with the cold, which is affecting their coloration. Not dramatically, but they're not perfect either. Additionally, some Dutch greenhouse cucumbers are on the market, which comes at a cost, reducing demand for Spanish ones. Prices for Spanish cucumbers are around €7.50 for 16s and €8-8.50 for 14s," Pieter continues. "Aubergines are also suffering from the cold. Wrapping them in foil helps extend their shelf life, but some are still being shipped unwrapped, which makes selling them more challenging. Aubergine prices range between €13-14."
"Field vegetables are also struggling in the cold. Iceberg lettuce, for instance, is failing to form proper heads and does not reach the desired weight, which disappoints buyers. Overall, there's not much trade happening, and the quality isn't great, making it difficult to satisfy customers. Everyone thinks the prices are too high, and the quality isn't good enough. The prices aren't unreasonable, but there's no energy in the market," the trader continues.
Spanish persimmons remain available despite the damage caused by storm DANA, which hit the main growing region last autumn. "Every persimmon has some defect—there isn't a single perfect one. Each fruit has a scratch, dent, or blemish. The quality is inferior, and in a normal market, they wouldn't sell, but right now, people are still paying €11-12 for them. Many large cooperatives have already sold out, but some growers took a gamble and held onto their stock, and they are now benefiting."
The trader also does not expect business to pick up during next week's trade fair. "It's generally the worst week of the year. You go to shake hands and maintain relationships, but it's not a week for actual trade. The market could bounce back afterward, though."
For more information:
Pieter de Ruiter
4 Fruit Company
Handelsweg 30
2988 DB Ridderkerk
Tel: +31 (0)180 641902
pr@4fc.nl
www.4fruitcompany.nl