In the carrot market, demand remains very calm. "Prices are not picking up either. Last week's fair in Emmeloord quoted 16-20 cents for B carrots, which is not yet a luxury," observes Peter Rinkel of Hagranop. "We haven't seen this for a while because, in previous years, the product sold well right after harvest. This year is more like three years ago when the start was also very difficult."
According to Peter, an upturn will mainly have to come from buyers in Eastern Europe. "Exports to Africa are already well underway, and Belgium and Germany largely have their own local products. So, we are waiting for Eastern European customers, but for now, they seem to have enough stock. From what I see in storage, the quality of the carrots is generally good. However, some batches are not good and need to be cleared quickly. I personally think there is a decent stock in Dutch cold stores, but in the end, it's also about how many kilos are in the crate."
About 40 percent of Hagranop's turnover comes from organic carrots. "But even with organic carrots, the price is not really increasing yet. That is quite a difference from onions, where there is a significant gap between the price of organic and conventional products. In the organic market, we see growers joining, but there are also larger organic growers switching back to conventional cultivation," the carrot trader says. He offers colored carrots mainly on contract. "Otherwise, it's a risky business. If color carrots are not available, everyone wants them, but the next year, you are left with them."
Asked about his expectations for the second half of the season, Peter replies, "Let's wait for Fruit Logistica in Berlin first. After all, that fair is often a time when everyone takes stock, and the market starts choosing a direction."
Hagranop is a stand holder at Fruit Logistica in the Holland pavilion: Hall 3.2 - Stand B-10
For more information:
Peter Rinkel
Hagranop
Sluitgatweg 4
8308 RE Nagele
Tel: +31 (0)527 27 61 65
peter@hagranop.com
www.hagranop.com