Market & harvest reports october - november 2024
After a rainy 2024, we were pleased to have dry weather in the north since mid-October 2024. Despite some delays, we see that constraints for several crops are decreasing and expect to bridge the connection to next season. Regardless, conditions may vary depending on specific crops or quality or cut size requirements
Seasonal field update: insights from the north, south, and herb regions
As we move deeper into autumn, our fields across Europe continue to show both the strength and sensitivity of nature. Here’s a regional look at how our crops are performing this season.
Northern Europe: steady results with some challenges ahead
In the north, the bean season wrapped up on a high note, delivering consistently good yields in Belgium. It’s a positive close to a reliable season.
Spinach, however, presented a mixed picture. While spring yields were already underwhelming, autumn spinach varied by region, ranging from average to below expectations. This will lead to tight availability heading into the next season.
Our cauliflower season began slowly, but field conditions are now producing excellent quality heads. Meanwhile, root crops faced delays due to late sowing and an unpredictable winter, with parsnips and baby carrots hit hardest by the wet spring and summer. These crops have had a tough year, but we’re monitoring conditions closely.
Southern Europe: mostly on track despite storms
In the south, harvests went well overall. We managed to bring in almost all crops, and production programmes are on track for the majority of vegetables. However, spinach and baby carrots fell short due to localised conditions.
The winter broccoli season kicked off at the end of October in Portugal and southern Spain, with strong volumes. In the Benimodo region, production started in early November. Although storms temporarily hindered operations, there was no significant impact on volumes, and quality has remained very good.
Herb production: a tale of contrasts
In Brittany, France, herb production was successful, giving us strong volumes and quality. However, in Austria, basil crops struggled under heavy rainfall. In France, the new Gel’Pam processing line—combined with weather challenges—also affected production of basil and perennials.
That said, overall availability remains stable. Specific cut sizes or quality grades may fluctuate slightly, but there’s no broader impact on supply.
Staying close to nature
Each season reminds us that agriculture is both a science and a relationship—with nature, with our farmers, and with our communities. We continue to monitor field conditions and work closely with our partners to adapt, respond, and plan ahead.
Let’s preserve nature’s gifts—together.