Marco Bergman of Harvest House Optimistic About Quality and Market Trends
FreshPlaza reports a promising start to the bell pepper season, with Marco Bergman from Harvest House expressing confidence in the current market conditions and quality of the produce.
Successful Kick-off Despite Competition
“The bell pepper season has started off robustly,” states Marco Bergman. “We are pleased with the exceptional quality of bell peppers this year, coupled with stable prices. This sets a positive tone for what we anticipate to be a successful season.” Despite initial competition from Spain early in the season, European retailers have predominantly shifted their focus to Dutch bell peppers from week 18/19 onwards.
Market Dynamics and International Demand
Reflecting on the season’s dynamics, Marco notes, “There was notable demand for Dutch bell peppers in the United States during the early weeks, although sales have tapered recently. We anticipate a resurgence in demand in the coming weeks. Moreover, Eastern European countries have been significant trading partners recently, though we expect this demand to decrease as their own outdoor cultivation becomes more prolific by mid-July.”
Challenges and Market Adaptations
Marco acknowledges challenges in the market, particularly concerning yellow and orange bell peppers. “There is considerable pressure to find sufficient markets for these colors, especially outside of color mix sales. However, wholesale markets have shown resilience in finding innovative ways to ensure these bell peppers reach consumers effectively.”
Weather and Future Outlook
Discussing weather conditions, Marco comments, “Weather in the Netherlands has presented challenges, but we remain optimistic that improved conditions will bolster bell pepper sales in the near future. As we look ahead, we are confident in the prospects for the upcoming weeks and are committed to delivering a successful bell pepper season.”
