The market for chicory has also shown that the consumer's diet has changed significantly as a result of the corona crisis. Staying healthy is the most important motto for many consumers today and chicory can contribute to this in several ways – according to research. It is therefore not surprising that demand has doubled during the crisis.
Chicory today has a reputation as a versatile ingredient that can do everything from adding fiber to lowering the sugar content in a product. Now that consumers are increasingly concerned with their health, it fits in perfectly with consumer wishes. Producers Beneo and Sensus also experience this. Especially this year they see an explosive increase in demand. According to them, the market is growing by about 4% every year, but that percentage has more than doubled during the corona pandemic.
The recent increase in demand for chicory can therefore be explained relatively simply: it is seen as a healthy choice. Producers who want to add less sugar in a product can opt for chicory root fibers to add a minimum amount of sweetness. Chicory can also replace fat in certain applications. In addition, the root contains inulin, which contributes to a stronger immune system. And that is exactly what consumers are looking for during the corona crisis.
More supply means contracting more growers
However, more supply cannot simply be tapped into. Unlike many other crops (including maize, wheat and soybeans), for a niche crop like chicory, buyers have to contract with farmers well in advance. That also notices Census on. At the moment about 500 arable farmers in the Netherlands and Wallonia are associated with the organization. Another 100 will be added this year. Only in this way can the company continue to meet the growing demand.
Beneo also tries to add new growers every year to ensure that sufficient acreage is planted. In addition, the company, which is part of Südzucker, has spent $61 million this year to expand its plant in Chile by 20%. This is in view of the fact that the growth rate of the demand for chicory is expected to remain between 5% and 10% in the coming years.