“This season, 10% fewer leeks were planted. Partly because of this, there is 30% less production this year", says Stefaan Dobbels of the Belgian wholesaler, Gerdo. “Prices were at around EUR0,90 earlier this week. Last year, at the same time, the price was about EUR0,23.

"The dry weather throughout Europe has caused these high prices. The past summers dry conditions has had a lot of influence on production. It has also affected sizes. Many of this years leeks are far thinner than those of previous years."

The high leek prices are good for the farmer. "Without farmers, we have no supply. Last season was awful for the growers. This year, we hear almost no complaints", continues Stefaan. There is a lot of cauliflower being harvested for the industry at the moment. After the cauliflower season is over, leeks will be harvested again, and the supply will go up again.

Winter vegetables

“White and red cabbage are currently selling well. Savoy cabbage is having a more difficult time. There is a lot of supply, but the demand is lagging. This type of cabbage is a real winter vegetable. Its price rises when it gets colder outside. White and red cabbage is eaten hot as well as cold", Dobbels explains. “Carrots are also lagging behind a bit because there is pressure on the European market.”

"The current situation for greenhouse lettuce is quite bad. However, from the second half of next week, we are expecting a slight uplift. The full soil lettuce will come to a complete stop. This is due to the cold weather in the southern countries. The demand for greenhouse lettuce will then increase" he concludes.