"With 14 hectares harvested per week, we’re now at peak season in Italy"

With locations in Melderslo (Netherlands) and Borgo Grappa (Italy), Ortolanda can supply the European market with both Italian and Dutch radishes. Meanwhile, supply in both countries is picking up steam. Monique Peeters-Cornelissen commutes weekly between the two locations. "In the Netherlands, it is becoming increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to grow radishes in the winter period because of the rising energy tax. That is why we build additional greenhouses in Italy every year. Currently, we are harvesting 14 hectares per week in Italy, which means we are really at the peak."

Ortolanda itself grows radishes in Borgo Grappa in plastic tunnels on an area of 48 hectares. With rental greenhouses and external growers, the total area comes to around 80 hectares. "Growth opportunities are mainly in the summer for us to make even better use of the greenhouses year-round," Monique observes. "In the Netherlands, you notice in the middle of winter that less and less forest radish is exported. That is increasingly being supplied from Italy. Forest radishes are then sold as loose radishes in the Netherlands, creating price pressure."

"For March, radish prices are not too good, but prices can always change quickly in the radish market. In the Netherlands, you often see a switchover point from forest radish to loose radish when the German outdoor radish comes onto the market. This year, the Germans are already starting in week 14, which, due to the good weather, is a week earlier than normal," says the grower. Ortolanda tries to stick to selling forest radishes as much as possible. "That is really a specialty. The quality of the hand-harvested radishes from Italy stands out above the average quality, although from both origins the radishes are the tastiest right now!"

"The challenge for us is to keep supplying as long as possible even when the German radishes are on the market. That's why we try to deliver such quality that customers cannot ignore us," Monique continues. "In Germany, wages have risen significantly and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the right people who are willing to work on their knees among the radishes. Moreover, with all the climate changes there, outdoor cultivation is becoming more difficult every year. Growing in greenhouses is simply much more manageable now."

Demand for sliced radishes is also on the rise. "That trend existed before COVID and has now recovered. With our location in Melderslo, we are close to the German border and many German processors buy the fresh-cut product from us," says Monique. Ortolanda sells the specialties purely on a program basis.

For more information:
Monique Peeters-Cornelissen
Ortolanda
Mob: +31 6 25138549
monique@ortolanda.com
www.ortolanda.com