In Belgium, sales of Flandria aubergines rose significantly last year, according to LAVA, the group comprising the six biggest auctions in the country.
In 2010, sales reportedly rose by some 23 per cent, and expectations are running high for the current campaign.
“In 2011, the area at the Malines Auctions stood at 21.7ha, an increase of 15 per cent over 2010,' said Hans De Meyer, marketing supervisor at the Malines Auctions. 'By the end of May, 20 per cent more aubergines were already being supplied than in the same period last year.”
Modern greenhouses, climate control and appropriate feeding mean that the trade can be supplied virtually year-round, he added.
'Aubergines are available all the way from February to November, with the peak period being between June and September,' he said.
