Processing Cauliflower
The processing cauliflower sector is experiencing a significant contraction, with acreage expected to decline by over 20%. Growers are actively transitioning away from processing cauliflower toward alternative crops such as onions and corn, rather than pivoting to fresh market cauliflower production.
Storage Cabbage
Storage cabbage is emerging from winter storage in excellent condition. However, the market presents substantial challenges, with continental Europe experiencing very low per-head pricing. This oversupply situation is creating severe price pressure that is significantly affecting grower profitability across the region.
General concern
Increasing winter exports from Southern Europe and Africa/Middle East to Northern/Western Europe may disrupt local growers and cooperatives reliant on exports, especially if retailers seek alternative suppliers for cost and quality reasons.
Regional Market Outlook
Germany's storage cabbage market is struggling under the weight of depressed prices, placing considerable strain on the processing industry. Poland maintains a competitive advantage through lower production costs and continues to play a significant role in the processing sector. Meanwhile, the Benelux region is witnessing substantial challenges across its processing industry, with growers expressing considerable uncertainty as they approach planning decisions for the 2026 season.
In France, 2025 production was generally good with no major weather-related issues and early harvests. However, insect management in cabbages is increasingly problematic due to fewer available active ingredients, mild weather, and rising pest pressure.
The 2026 acreage will drop significantly, down 10% across all Brassicas, driven mainly by cauliflowers. The 2025 fall/winter season saw extremely low prices (below production costs) caused by weather-induced early harvests creating supply gluts, reduced local consumption, lack of contracted prices, and competitive exports from Southern Europe undercutting French cooperatives in traditional markets. Other field crops like onions and potatoes also faced low prices, though broccoli and cabbages performed better with decent pricing and normal volumes.
The 2025 cauliflower season will likely break even or lose money, impacting 2026 acreage and grower investment levels.
In the Nordics, 2025 production was strong with favourable conditions, early harvests, and good sales volumes and values across most Brassicas. Insect management challenges mirror France's situation. Expectations for 2026 remain positive with stable or growing markets depending on segment.
Current Planting Activity by Region
In the Benelux countries, the first plantings are now underway targeting late spring and early summer harvests. Growers are focusing primarily on early cauliflower and broccoli varieties, with protected cultivation operations already initiated.
Germany has begun early white cabbage transplanting operations, with pointed cabbage plantings also in progress. Timing across the country varies based on local microclimates and regional weather patterns.
Poland is starting its planting season slightly later due to cooler climate conditions. The focus remains on processing varieties as large-scale field operations begin across the country's major production areas.
Clubroot Resistance
Clubroot resistance (CRR) offers significant advantages in wet weather by protecting crop yields, reducing disease pressure, and improving overall plant health and resilience. We already have a range of brassica varieties with CRR and are continuously working to improve resistance across our entire portfolio.