"After three months we are satisfied with the result"

As of April this year the new trading firm Simba Vegetables started up in the Dutch village of Zwaagdijk-Oost. Robert Sijm and Maurice Ott wanted to put regional products on the map more. "We are looking for ways to expand the products in the region," says Maurice Ott, "This is mainly cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, potato and carrot." After three months, the businessmen are satisfied with the first results.

Robert Sijm and Maurice Ott started the trading company Simba in April

Simba Vegetables is a subsidiary of Sijm Agro, but other than this, it is not connected to the main company. "If we were to link figures to this, I think around 20 to 25% of the products we trade come from Sijm Agro," explains Maurice. The other products are bought from trading organisations and growers. Mainly onions and potatoes come straight from the growers. Cauliflower and broccoli are marketed between April and November. The other products are available all year round.

Automation system the largest investment
The trading organisation has a team of two sellers and two employees for administration. Robert Sijm brought his experience from Sijm Agro into the company, Maurice Ott has 12 years of experience with various trading companies. Both wanted a new challenge, which they found in the new trading company. "Our manner of working comes forward in the slogan 'Attention to detail'," says Maurice. "We want to assist our customers with advice and be a reliable partner."

Potatoes, onions, cabbage and carrots are important products for Simba

An automation system was the biggest investment for the founding of Simba. "We have a system in which one order is one action," says Robert. "This means that we can quickly confirm orders and meet the agreements right away. This is important for your customers but reliability is also important for growers and suppliers." All actions are processed in the system, which means the orders can be confirmed quickly. "We are also flexible," adds Maurice. "We can load and unload 24/7 and we visit our customers and suppliers. We also do a little storage and throughput."

European trade
The products are supplied to vegetable cutting companies and supermarkets across Europe. "We have supplied to all European countries, really," says Robert Sijm. Eastern European countries are important buyers for the winter vegetables.

Maurice Ott shows white cabbage. Robert Sijm with his son Jim. The next generation is ready.

The two traders see the trade change slowly. Competition from domestic cultivation in Eastern Europe, a shift in the buyers from wholesale markets to supermarkets, and less but bigger players in the market are the most obvious changes. "But there will always be a demand for fresh products." Robert is sure of this.

Looking back at the first three months of the company's existence Robert and Maurice are satisfied. "It was a challenge," says Robert. "Of course, it was an advantage that we have a strong main company, but you have to work to make it a success." Maurice concludes: "We are satisfied with the results. We made a good turnover."

More information:
Simba Vegetables bv
Robert Sijm & Maurice Ott
Zwaagdijk 149
1684 ND Zwaagdijk-Oost
T: 0228 - 745 391 / 0228 – 7454 392
M: 06 – 2222 4855 / 06 - 25515333
E: robert@simbavegetables.nl / maurice@simbavegetables.nl
W: www.simbavegetables.nl