'Retail is to blame for bad times'

A higher price and a better compensation. Several Belgian vegetable growers, united in the General Farmers Syndicate, in an open letter to all retailers.

The growers are expressing their frustration about the terrible times they are currently going through. "Every day we ensure the supply of high-quality, strictly controlled vegetables. To our surprise, we have been paid below average for this in recent weeks and months. In other words: we produce your fresh vegetables with great love and commitment, but see that they are purchased. by your buyers at a price that is much too low. In addition, the products in your stores are sold at high prices, with a very large margin between the farmer's price and the consumer price."

Sample reveals difference
"Leek is sold at Aldi for €1,45 per kilo, while the farmer is paid less than €0.20 per kilo. Celeriac is offered at Aldi for €0,99 each; we receive €0,11 per kilo. Colruyt sells savoy cabbage in advertising for €1.19 each. The grower's price is €1 lower, we get €0.19 each." The differences are even greater for Brussels sprouts and red cabbage, according to a sample of farmers.

Retail has no idea
It stings the Belgians everywhere; in cooking programmes, at the food consultant or in other promotion channels it is recommended to opt for seasonal vegetables, because they are healthy and on the market, but the retail attaches the concept of 'cheap' to it to win customers. According to the growers, the supermarkets have no idea how this lowest price strategy works. "But we are once again the victims of the incessant race for consumers."

Just like the retail sector, the farmers want to have a livelihood. "Via a living income! We demand a higher price for our products that meet all the specifications and the high quality standards that you impose on us. We demand better compensation for all the hard work, the many investments, often sleepless nights when we eat your vegetables irrigate and care, and for the many checks."

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.