On the field side, March 2023

Northern vegetables

The 2022 root and winter vegetable harvest is in deficit in terms of volume, due to the impact of last summer’s drought and heat wave: -30% for carrots, -20% for leeks, and -20% for parsnips compared to the areas planted and the yields expected in a “usual” year.

Negotiations for new crop contracts for the 2023/2024 season have been difficult. So far, the factory has contracted roughly the same amount of land as last year, which is a deficit compared to the need.

Additionallypurchase contracts for agricultural raw materials are up for all vegetables and mainly for peas, beans, carrots and cabbage families. These increases can be explained by the costs of agricultural inputs, but also of equipment and labor; as well as by the motivation of farmers to irrigate when possible depending on the area; and to maintain vegetable cultivation.

For the 2023 harvests, a delay is observed in the planting of peas and spinach, due to rain in the areas concerned for these 2 crops.

Asparagus

The asparagus harvest in China is about to start, it is still too early to judge the success of the campaign. However, after the confinements and bad weather during 2 consecutive years, the stocks in China are empty. The first volumes are going to be fought over, so it is necessary to position oneself as soon as possible. We will keep you informed of the progress of the harvest.

Onions

The situation of onions from Poland and/or the Netherlands remains tense. However, the spring temperatures of the last few days are activating an easing, combined with the release – new campaign – of the first volumes in Spain.

The purchases are still intensive on China and Egypt. Onions from Egypt, new campaign are expected within 4 weeks. We can offer you all these origins, do not hesitate to ask us!

The spring onion or garlic sprout will be available soon:

The campaign in China is about to start, the first offers will be available soon. In Poland, the new offers are expected in mid-April.

Legumes

France is currently experiencing a lentil shortage with a depleted crop and rapidly diminishing stocks. Perspectives for 2023 are not optimistic with an expected reduction in plantings and a possible reduction in production.

For beans, the French market is also sold out. Convincing farmers to plant is complicated because of the technical impasse and the high price of other crops. Not to mention the uncertainty related to the availability and cost of water to irrigate the areas.

On the chickpeas market, negotiations for the 2023 plantings have been completed. However, there is a shortage of seeds which limits the cultivated surfaces in addition to the brakes common to other crops in France.

Fruits

The lemon crop in Argentina, intended for concentrated juice, has been impacted by a water shortage. January was the driest month in 15 years. Due to the weather conditions and the cessation of part of the lemon crops in favor of other crops, local producers expect a 20% lower production compared to N-1. This situation will create a price pressure on juices and concentrates, including Spanish productions that we supply.