'The quality of the carrot remains important'

The carrot market is in difficult waters. Growers doubt the future of carrot cultivation. That uncertainty is caused by 2 difficult seasons. However, finding a comparable crop is easier said than done. Pieter Gabriëls, director of Bejo Zaden Germany, talks about the developments in the carrot market, and explains what opportunities there are.

How is the market developing at the moment, and does this offer opportunities for the Netherlands?
"The market for storage carrots seems saturated, so there are no growth opportunities there. I see more opportunities for carrots, for example. Growers immediately indicate that this is difficult, but it remains important to look outside the box. Developments are moving quickly and also for carrots can become automated. The same goes for snack carrots, which are currently sold in supermarkets for €0,99 per bag. It takes more work, but one has to look further than just B carrot."

Is Poland an opportunity or a threat for Dutch growers?
"Poland is developing quite quickly. Not only is the acreage of carrots growing, but professionalization is also increasing. This means that the quality of carrots from Poland is improving. Until now, the country has been a volatile exporter of carrots, but also in This area is developing. However, there is still an important difference with the Dutch carrot sector. For example, the Dutch have a "real commercial spirit" and are willing to think along with the importers. In addition, the Dutch are fast and flexible in delivery. carrot sector must continue to focus on this."

What other requirements must a party from the Netherlands meet in order to remain interesting for Germany?
"In Germany, quality is particularly important to them. B-quality does not actually come in. It is also important that there is not too much residue on the carrots. The growers also have to have the certificates in order."

The German supermarkets have one goal: "Own carrots first." Are they crowding out foreign input?
"I don't see the idea that the German market is protectionist. The need from the market is still leading. The market is currently mainly asking for regional vegetables. This is prompted by the need for safe food. However, Dutch carrots can also be used. are regional for the Germans, so the Dutch carrot can easily fill the gaps in the supply of the regional carrot."

The organically grown carrots cannot do without Germany and this cultivation is still increasing. How do you see this development?
"Germany is not yet self-sufficient when it comes to organic carrots and this will not change in the short term, because there is limited availability of good soil. As a result, demand continues to arise, but it is decreasing. This is because more and more growers are switching. to organic. Although the organic cultivation of carrots is not easy, you have less chance of failure (compared to cabbage). I do see that the demand for organic carrots from the consumer continues to increase."

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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