"Minneolas have become more popular"

Since 2008, Van Ooijen citrus BV has been importing Minneolas from California. The growing season has gone well, and the quality of the first arrivals is very good, according to Marcel van der Welle. "The flavour is magnificent, with a high brix. Minneolas from California have something special. They taste delicious, contain a lot of juice, and the colour is exceptional. For these reasons, they are valued much more highly than the Turkish or Peruvian Minneolas, which are often even found in the bargain bin. These Californian Minneolas are never cheap, but very popular nonetheless."

Rediscovered
Het notes that Minneolas have been rediscovered by the consumer in recent years. "This product has become a lot more popular. Every year we can take more volumes. A loyal customer base and not too many players on the market makes this possible. We mainly supply the Minneolas to retailers and wholesalers in the Netherlands and Belgium. At the moment, demand is very good. The prices are high, but unfortunately that's inevitable. The main reason is the euro/dollar exchange rate this year. For importing companies, the exchange rate isn't advantageous at the moment, it's a difference of almost 20%."

Partnership
Marcel talks about the partnership with their supplier with enthusiasm. "With Paramount Citrus, we have very good, constructive relations for the future. We are proud to be working together with this partner." The Californian Minneola season goes until about late April when it comes to arrivals. "We usually stay in the market until mid-May. A direct continuation into the Peruvian season is usually difficult," he concludes.

March 9 to 15 in the Markthal

This year, Van Ooijen Citrus organizes a promotion for Californian Minneolas, in conjunction with their American partner, in the new Markthal in the centre of Rotterdam. "We have rented the 'World of Flavour' stand for a week. We don't want this to go by unnoticed! Everyone is welcome between from Monday, March 9 until Sunday, March 15 for a snack and a drink. In addition to people from the 'World of Flavour', we will be present every day ourselves to meet you. We are looking forward to it and are very enthusiastic about it. Will you join us for a visit?!"

The Markthal opening hour are:

Monday to Thursday & Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, Friday from 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday from noon to 6 pm.

The address is: Ds. Jan Scharpstraat 298 3011 GZ ROTTERDAM.

For more information:
Marcel van der Welle
Van Ooijen Citrus BV
Handelsweg 149
2988 DC Ridderkerk
+31(0)180-558 835
www.vanooijencitrus.nl