The carrot trade continues steadily. Rinsers and traders say they are not busy, but normal work continues. The lack of a major peak in demand before Easter this year has certainly not helped the mood in the market.
Various market parties agree that there is less demand for carrots this season. However, opinions differ about the cause. Traders attribute part of this to the ongoing closure of catering establishments in Europe. The drop in demand in this sector is only compensated to a limited extent by retail. Several countries in Eastern Europe also have more of their own carrots this season and therefore have to import less. Italy has sold more carrots in Eastern Europe. Transport costs are lower for them, which means they can compete with Dutch carrots.
Sowed more early carrots
Several plots of early carrots have now been sown. This year is expected to be slightly more early carrots sown, but it will still take a number of months before new carrots from the Netherlands come onto the market. Good quality from storage is only available to a limited extent. This offers perspective for later in the storage season.
Concerns about the quality of carrots continue to play a major role. Many carrots that are currently offered are declining in quality or growers suddenly discover that the quality is less than expected. Washers do process this carrot, but that takes extra work and there is a lot of tare. The end product often leaves much to be desired.
Price stabilizes
Carrot prices are stabilizing. The average quotation for B-carrot is €23 per 100 kilos. The top end of the market in particular remains stable. Top product is not easy to find and several buyers are willing to pay good money for it. Prices of €25 per 100 kilos or more for very good carrots are not unusual. The bottom of the class 1 listing is under pressure, although this is not yet really reflected in the average prices. The trade in C-carrot remains difficult. The price remains stable at €22 per 100 kilos, but no large volumes are traded.