Insights from Combilo highlight robust sales and challenges in the pepper market amid changing weather conditions.
Bell peppers have solidified their position as one of the top-selling greenhouse vegetables at Combilo, a trend observed and managed by Rob van der Bas for many years. Since October 2023, Tom van der Meer has also taken on the role of pepper product manager, navigating the complexities inherent in this dynamic market. According to Tom, each year presents unique challenges from cultivation to trade, and 2024 is proving to be no exception.
So far, the Netherlands has experienced fewer sunshine hours compared to the same period last year, impacting overall yield. Despite this, Tom notes that there have been minimal quality issues with the peppers, a positive indicator for market stability.
“Last week, we saw a gradual decline in prices daily, but it has stabilized and started to climb again,” Tom explains. “While availability meets expectations, demand is outstripping supply, resulting in reasonable prices and strong sales. Green peppers are slightly cheaper, influenced by the presence of Polish peppers in the market. We anticipate Polish red peppers entering the market soon.”
Tom underscores that retail orders have increased slightly due to favorable weather conditions, while wholesale demand is maintaining balanced stocks without oversupply issues. Red peppers dominate the Dutch acreage, catering to broad market demands. Yellow and orange peppers, while niche, serve specific markets like color mixes and preferences from American consumers.
Discussing market strategies, Tom emphasizes Combilo’s commitment to offering a diverse range of peppers to meet customer needs. “We ensure every pepper finds its place in the market, whether packaged or unpackaged,” he states. “With the establishment of Combilo Food Solutions, we’ve also streamlined processing for residual peppers into purees, enhancing sustainability across our operations.”
Looking ahead, Tom anticipates increased pepper consumption in the upcoming period, driven by the promising weather forecast. Despite market fluctuations, Combilo remains steadfast in its century-long mission to promote Dutch greenhouse vegetables across Europe, a testament to their enduring commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
