In Northern Europe, supplies of typical winter vegetables like leeks, sprouts, and cabbage are limited and well-priced. That has, however, not yet led to a soaring demand for Spanish open-field vegetables. "On the contrary," says Thomas Bos of Thomasol, who supports wholesalers, retailers, importers, and exporters from Alicante in Spain b buying and selling their fruits and vegetables. "Prices for products like iceberg lettuce and broccoli are under price."
There are ample Spanish vegetables available. "We haven't had true winter here. The weather's been stable, with no extremes. Last weekend, the temperature dropped slightly, but it's now back to 22°C, which is unusually warm for this time of year. Unlike many other countries, we haven't had any weather problems, although water shortages are becoming significantly challenging in some parts of the country."
"The cold weather would normally slow production, but that's not happening now. Prices are, thus, under pressure. We should be selling broccoli for €1.60-1.80, but we're now making €1.20 in the Netherlands. Subtract transport prices, and we're well below cost price. That's inexplicable, given the supply in Northern Europe. If it rains in England, an increase in demand is immediately noticeable here in Spain. This year, though, everything seems different," Thomas concludes.
For more information:
Thomas Bos
Thomasol Gestión SL
C. Venta de la Remuda nr. 8
03560 El Campello, Alicante, Spain
Tel: +34 965 060 305
[email protected]
www.thomasol.eu