Empty early with the old carrots and a relatively late spring. Expectations were therefore tense at the start of the new season. After a few very turbulent weeks with very different transactions and prices, the contours are now starting to take shape.
'We went crazy a few weeks ago' is the short summary of what traders and flushers have to say about the market. Drought dominated the mood in the trade until three weeks ago. And with low yields in prospect, buyers and sellers have often done business at very high prices per hectare. But a lot can change in a few weeks, as has been proven once again.
Much less popular
What is very remarkable for this time of year is that it is the C carrot that is not doing much. Usually it takes a lot of effort early in the season to gather enough large carrots for the regular customers. But the carrot grows quickly and the early varieties simply have to be removed before they start to tear. The mood in the B-peen is better in that respect. Many rinsers still have limited access to the free carrot market because there is still some contract work. However, due to the rain last week, you will not be able to dig everywhere. That is fortunate for growers who live in a drier area and are able and willing to harvest. Due to somewhat limited supply, the price for B-carrot remains a lot more affordable than for C-carrot.
The DCA Listing B carrot starts the new season at €35 to €40 per 100 kilos. This is for real B-carrots (for example beautiful Nerac, with an extra certificate for retail) and not for undersized carrots sorted from the large carrot. The C-carrot starts at €20 to €25 per 100 kilos. But with C-carrot, unlike the B-carrot, you have to look for a buyer.