AMSTERDAM: The Dutch cucumber season traditionally starts in the first week of March. The first Dutch organic cucumbers are also starting to arrive at Eosta.
Janco Koole predicts a good season with good sales opportunities.
The first batch comes from Fons Verbeek, and consists mainly of Organic Brothers. Soon, product from two other cultivators, who are currently finishing up their winter cultivation, will also arrive. “The season is gradually starting. Because of the grey weather, you should not be expecting boxes full of Dutch cucumbers. It is not bad for trade, because there will not be immediate pressure right at the beginning of the season, and that will be good for prices.”
In December 2016, Firmenich, the world’s largest producer of colourings and flavourings, proclaimed cucumber to be ‘flavour of the year.’ The company pointed out the increasing attraction because of the versatile and fresh flavour.
Janco also indicates that consumers value the fresh taste of cucumber, and he therefore predicts a revival. “Cucumber water is currently very popular, and the organic cucumber is doing very well at the moment as regards flavour. However, demand remains very dependent on the weather. Cucumber is also on the shelves in winter, but consumption tends to be better when the weather is sunny.”
“The European area is still growing, but we all have to continuously look for the right balance. The expansion mainly happens abroad, the largest volume is mostly in Spain.
During the past winter season, the area in Spain was significantly larger than the previous year.” Janco does not expect the area to suddenly become smaller again.
Eosta is dedicating itself to Natural Branding, branding the product using bundled light. Avocados, ginger and sweet potatoes with Natural Branding are already on the market. “Research shows that cucumber also lends itself to it,” Janco explains. “We are therefore planning to add cucumber to that list of products.”
