The carrot market is showing a rapid price increase. However, export demand is declining somewhat due to these price increases. The trade is seeking a new equilibrium. Read more about the development of carrot quotations.
Much depends on the calculation method. Crate prices refer to the quantity of carrots remaining in a crate after rinsing. For instance, lots are traded for €325 per crate containing just under 700 kilos of carrots. That amounts to a price of 47 to 48 cents per kilo. Fewer carrots also mean lower prices per crate.
The regional exchange in Emmeloord is raising the carrot quotation this week by 6,5 cents to 40 to 49 cents per kilo. This price increase follows the sharp jump of 13 cents last week. As a result, trade has clearly changed over the past two weeks. Instead of prices barely covering the cost price, profits are being made again.
Last week's sharp price increase was well absorbed by the market, but it remains to be seen how quickly the market can absorb further price hikes. Spain appears to be dropping out as a buyer, and in Eastern Europe, too, they are unwilling to pay the substantial increases. This is putting a brake on price development.
Asking prices that rose to 60 cents per kilo for washed carrots proved to be a bit too ambitious. Sellers have therefore lowered their prices somewhat to secure sufficient orders. Ultimately, the market must find a new equilibrium in which trade continues.
Although there is some room in the order books following the price increases, washers in the Netherlands have plenty of work for the time being. Moreover, stocks in the Netherlands are not yet running low. This is favorable, as customers must be supplied with carrots from storage in May as well. Germany will switch to imports of the new crop in a week or two. In Belgium, they normally continue using carrots from the old crop in May.