“The prices of greenhouse vegetables are already soaring”

“2025 has only just begun and already the price of Spanish greenhouse vegetables is soaring. We have several theories and explanations for this, but which is the best? asks Kees Havenaar of Frutas Luna in Almeria.

“Let’s start with the pepper, because that’s where it all comes down to it. My theory is that of the ‘perfect storm’: a lot of early peppers have been harvested in recent months. The price of greens was good, as were reds, so there was no speculation and everyone harvested well. Therefore, the supply has decreased, the yields are lower and today in this first fortnight all major retailers have peppers on promotion, which means that demand is increasing again,” said the Dutchman who lives and has been working in Spain for several decades.

“What could become a big problem in the coming period is the Thrips parvispinus or pepper thrips. It is impossible to eradicate it. Many growers have had to pull out their crops and are seriously considering not planting peppers next season. Pesticides that work also kill natural enemies. This is a significant and deplorable problem at this time. All buyers must take into account that in each package there is one or two fruits with an anomaly, this is inevitable. »

“Palermo and white pointed peppers will also become rarer: the fewer there are per kg/m², the greater the demand. I expect the prices of these products to start increasing in the coming weeks, particularly due to the thrips problem. Peppers were also well harvested in November and December. Prices were good and as a result we are seeing shortages today. Daytime trading is in demand, but unfortunately, there are not enough, and this will continue for a few weeks. Eggplants are also very expensive today. Every year it’s the same thing: there are simply too few products available. In December there was a big harvest and now that the nights are colder there is simply not enough supply. It will be like this for another month. »

“As for cucumbers, at the start of the year, we thought they were going to return to €1, but nothing like that, on the contrary. The production of this vegetable is also less due to cold nights. There is strong demand for small formats, which drives up prices. Mini cucumbers are a product whose sales are always good during this period, although I think they have reached their peak. This does not mean that the market is collapsing, but it is currently stable. »

According to the trader, the vine tomato market is struggling to adapt to high auction prices. “In my opinion, this type of sale is not made for tomatoes: it is unreal. Cluster tomatoes from Spain are simply too expensive to be competitive for export, while producers here are all looking at the sales price on the clock. Dutch and Belgian lit vine tomatoes are below this price. I think and hope that in the short term we can still catch up.”

“But it is this daily life that makes our activity so exciting. Every day brings its surprises and challenges. The year is still young and spring 2025 will be interesting. It will also be a festive year, as Marni Fruit celebrates its 25th this year.^th birthday ! We congratulate the entire team on this important milestone. »

For more information:
Kees Havenaar
Moon Fruits
Tel.+34 950178653
[email protected]
www.frutasluna.com