Exports of fresh fruit and vegetables (excluding onions) from the Netherlands have increased by 5 per cent during the first half of this year compared with the same period of 2007, according to new figures published by the Dutch horticultural board Productschap Tuinbouw.
Total shipments between January and June 2008 amounted to 1.11m tonnes, against 1.05m tonnes in the year-earlier period, boosted in particular by a 14 per cent rise in exports to the UK, from 148,000 tonnes to 168,000 tonnes.
While apple sendings to the UK actually fell, Productschap Tuinbouw reported higher volumes of Dutch peppers, tomatoes, aubergines, cabbage and pears were sold in the UK.
Exports to Germany, by far Holland's largest export market for fresh produce, were more or less stable at around 432,000 tonnes, with an increase in the volume of fruit and tomatoes shipped being reported alongside a drop in exports of asparagus, peppers, mushrooms and iceberg lettuce to the country.
While still Europe's largest vegetable import market, Germany's own production has increased significantly in recent years. According to ZMP, its vegetable imports fell by 3 per cent to 3m tonnes last year.
Meanwhile, Dutch fresh produce exports to Russia, Belgium, France, Sweden, Poland and the Czech Republic also rose, with sales of apples and glasshouse vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers reported to be particularly strong.
» More information available from Productschap Tuinbouw
