"Despite the fact that there is tension in the brassicas market, the supply will be guaranteed"

The broccoli and cauliflower supply in the European markets remains low due to the sudden end of the seasons in central and northern European countries, as well as the delayed harvests in Spain, the main supplier of brassicas in the fall and winter months.

"In addition to slightly more limited broccoli and cauliflower plantings this year due to concerns and uncertainty of whether there would be enough water to irrigate the fields, the plantings were carried out between 2 and 3 weeks later than last season," says Pedro Manuel Garcia, Area Manager of Agricola Santa Eulalia, located in the municipality of Totana, Murcia.

"For several years, we have had longer summer campaigns in Spain and the demand has been rather low, causing prices to suffer, as export destinations were also extending their local campaigns due to increasingly mild temperatures, perhaps due to the effects of climate change. This has also contributed to growers waiting a few weeks longer to plant," he says.

"To this we can add the fact that this year, the main broccoli importers have run out earlier of their local productions, which has resulted in markets with hardly any supply of brassicas and prices that have stayed high," added Pedro M. García.

"Most programs start between weeks 46 and 48, so there are no consistent volumes available yet. Moreover, high temperatures are causing the plants to suffer hydric stress, so we need colder temperatures and a bit of rain for yields to improve," said the producer and exporter.

According to the sales manager of this company from Murcia, "despite the fact that there is tension in the brassicas market, the supply will be guaranteed this season. The supply should go back to normal levels in about 10 or 15 days."