The trip was a result of the exclusivity agreement between Cool Fresh International and Tropicales de Valle, a leading pineapple production and packaging plant in Costa Rica. Following this agreement, Tropicales de Valle will take care of all production, sourcing and export activities of pineapple on behalf of Cool Fresh International and the companies will be working together closely to strengthen breaking into the international market with diverse pineapple products originating from Costa Rica.
Employees of Tropicales de Valle received new company uniforms during a festive reception to give the cooperation a boost.
Tropicales del Valle, alongside its own production, has a close relationship with contracted producers who will supply their products to Tropicales del Valle for further packaging and export to Cool Fresh International. These producers are all Global Cap certified which ensures that they are able to keep up with the high standards of Tropicales del Valle and Cool Fresh International.
Some new developments were implemented during Mario and Hugo's visit, pineapples will be exported with the Rain Forest Alliance certifications starting the beginning of July. Naturally, these pineapples will be branded with the trusted BonSweet brand.
Furthermore, there will be further expansion of the BonSweet product assortment will be introduced to the European market from July onwards. Without to much of a rise in price, says Mario de Goede, "We have taken the necessary actions to ensure that our customers gain access to products that are not only of high quality, but also meet the expectations for flavour, colour and scent that people expect from pineapples. The packaging will be unique and we are convinced that our new product line will also mean an increase in sales for our customers."
Mario de Goede says that demand in the last few years is not only for frozen pineapples but includes frozen products such as papaya, yuca and plantains. "We did some research together with Tropicales del Valle and I am excited to announce that we have found a great supplier who can produce to most technical customer specifications. We expect that these products will bring in new customers and we are adding another new line to our already expansive pineapple assortment."
Also, during the visit, a distinctive new export line for unique Costa Rican products was started. These products, which includes chayotte, plantains (baking bananas), yuca and eddoes, are already on their way. From this July/August, all of the exotic products with be marketed under the new brand.
As a conclusion, Hugo Vermeulen tells us that the collaboration with Tropicales de Valle not only exists for commercial purposes. "It also fits in with our vision of practising socially responsible business. Tropicales del Valle has been associated with the 'Ethical Trading Initiative' for a year and the cooperation between labour unions, companies and the government have been working on improving the working conditions for employees all over the world. In the spirit of the Cool Fresh International MVO presentation latter certification in 2011 and the focus on Tropicales del Valle to improve the living conditions of local residents, we have implemented a long running project on behalf of the nearby local primary school and farms to work together. The first step will be to give the school a much needed layer of paint along with ordering new chairs for the students. Our MVO department is busy putting together a comprehensive plan so that the local children will have access to diverse new social activities."
Photo report
For more information:
Cool Fresh International
Hugo Vermeulen
Mario de Goede
Tel: +31-883-777111
www.coolfresh.nl
Also, during the visit, a distinctive new export line for unique Costa Rican products was started. These products, which includes chayotte, plantains (baking bananas), yuca and eddoes, are already on their way. From this July/August, all of the exotic products with be marketed under the new brand.
As a conclusion, Hugo Vermeulen tells us that the collaboration with Tropicales de Valle not only exists for commercial purposes. "It also fits in with our vision of practising socially responsible business. Tropicales del Valle has been associated with the 'Ethical Trading Initiative' for a year and the cooperation between labour unions, companies and the government have been working on improving the working conditions for employees all over the world. In the spirit of the Cool Fresh International MVO presentation latter certification in 2011 and the focus on Tropicales del Valle to improve the living conditions of local residents, we have implemented a long running project on behalf of the nearby local primary school and farms to work together. The first step will be to give the school a much needed layer of paint along with ordering new chairs for the students. Our MVO department is busy putting together a comprehensive plan so that the local children will have access to diverse new social activities."
Photo report
For more information:
Cool Fresh International
Hugo Vermeulen
Mario de Goede
Tel: +31-883-777111
www.coolfresh.nl
