Sweet pepper supply in Europe remains tight due to heat and a late Spanish season

Sweet pepper supply on the European market remains limited due to lower production volumes in the Netherlands and a later start to the Spanish season. As a result, autumn prices are holding at higher levels than during the summer.

The Dutch season has generally been productive, but total output remains below last year’s level. After favourable weather early in the season, summer heatwaves reduced average fruit weight and lowered yields per square metre.

The hot weather also caused a more uneven supply pattern and affected the quality of part of the crop. Growers faced higher pest pressure and more blossom-end rot, meaning not all produce met marketable quality standards.

Average fruit weight has started to recover in recent weeks, but available volumes remain limited. At the same time, Spanish supplies started later than usual this year, making the transition from Dutch to Spanish produce more gradual.

Nearly all Dutch-grown peppers are currently sold through contracted programmes, while additional volumes on the open market remain scarce. Lower Dutch output, irregular supply and the delayed Spanish season are therefore supporting a strong price environment across the European market.

Tags: EU, sweet pepper, weather conditions