Flandria cauliflower late but picking up

The season for Belgian Flandria-branded cauliflower has kicked off late this year, with supplies remaining limited until week 22.

However, higher production volumes are anticipated this month and the next, according to LAVA, the group comprising the six biggest auctions in the country.

LAVA puts the late start down to the low nighttime temperatures in recent months, a phenomenon equally experienced in neighbouring countries, leading to scarce supplies of European cauliflowers and high prices.

'We are traditionally the earliest country to produce, and the supply picture looks very different from last year,' LAVA revealed. 'The early Malines cauliflower is always a couple of weeks earlier than elsewhere in Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany. The lower supplies have meant high prices from the start of the season.'

The traditional spike in supply is likely to be flattened out this season, although larger volumes have been sold since week 22, and quality is not anticipated to be a problem.

“The damp, cold spring has enabled plants to recover after the long winter,' LAVA said. 'Growing conditions are now a little more favourable. Despite earlier expectations, the quality of Flandria cauliflower is excellent.”