Cold spring brings Dutch radish farmers great hope

At the beginning of April, it snowed and hailed in the Netherlands. That is when German growers usually come onto the Dutch market with locally-grown radishes. This year is different. Because of the cold, the outdoor crops began later. Dutch greenhouse radishes were, therefore (extra) hard to get around Easter. Growers are, at the beginning of April, optimistic about the coming period too. Although that might be because there is sometimes less supply than usual in this specialty segment.

Dutch radish growers are always busy in March. This year, however, it was perhaps even busier. Demand increased considerably, especially halfway through the month. The growers were able to deliver in abundance. Some even had to turn orders down. "Stocks have or are currently running out," says Ad Coolbergen of Ortolanda Oude-Tonge. They supply Europe with radishes from the Netherlands and Italy. Fellow grower John Grootscholten of Daily Fresh Radish agrees that it was busier than usual. "Especially at the end of March and beginning of April. There was more demand than supply."

'THE GERMANS ARE COMING'

Both growers point to the delayed German open field cultivation as the reason for that. And the traditionally higher demand at that time of year. "Easter sales were good," says Ad. That was the case in March already. Grower Erik de Jong of Jongfresh agrees. "Easter was early, and the weather had been frigid in the outdoor crops. That creates movement," he says. For growers, this year's market situation appears to be remaining favorable for an unusually long time.

"It seems we can continue with our German supermarkets' winter programs for longer this year." John calls it a pretty unique market situation. "You often fall into a bit of a hole in April, and the market dips. Production usually picks up significantly when the weather gets warmer. And demand often decreases. By the end of March, you hear in the market that 'the Germans are coming'. That hasn't happened yet."

The unusual situation led to Dutch growers experiencing shortages when April began. "I should probably have sowed a bit more," laughs John. That is characteristic of the radish market in the Netherlands. Its acreage is fairly stable. But the weather greatly affects the market situation. After a relatively long cold spell, it is now a matter of waiting for warmer weather later in the season.

"Although there's often less demand from Germany then, it does ensure that consumption picks up in other countries," he says, speaking from experience. "That's good for us. You don't want it to be too warm in the spring either, though." Would John prefer it to be cold enough to go ice-skating every year? And then have a good change of weather? "Yes, that would be perfect."

SWITCHING

That perfect picture certainly does not include COVID-19. Nevertheless, the grow-

John Grootscholten

ers have had to deal with it, both last year and this year. The pandemic has not significantly affected red radish sales to supermarkets. If there is anything to be said about that market, it's that demand for radish bushels, prepacked in flow packs, increased slightly, John notes. In Germany, most people prefer this, so it's the most popular variant there. "Also, the demand for loose radishes was moderate in March. But that also started to improve by the end of that month, going into April. That was thanks to increasing demand," says John.

Ad Coolbergen

Erik has had a slightly different experience. He grows specialties, so he focuses on sales to the hospitality channel. Events like restaurant closures have led to lower demand. However, the Easter rush caused movement in the niche market too. "So, things are currently going well." The grower has two new product lines planned for this year and will continue on his set course. "The pandemic will end at some point. And we have a long-term strategy." The biggest challenge is to be there as soon as the market truly switches over. "We hope

Erik de Jong grows special varieties

it’ll be this summer. Our production cycle is also short - four weeks. You can, therefore, adjust fairly quickly," Erik concludes. (TT) 

ad@ortolanda.com info@dailyfreshradish.nl erik@jongfresh.nl

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