Belgian's fruit industry in the hands of only a few players

The origins of Ghysco bvba, a company in the fruit sector located in the Belgian city of Oudenaarde, goes back to 1878. The company transports hard fruit from growers and auctions, which it supplies to both the fresh market and to industry (50/50). According to manager, Alex Ghys, their long history offers them, for the most part, advantages, "Our name has been established in the market and is synonymous with the words; honour, without all the chaos."

Ghysco is a pretty big player in the fruit industry, "There is quite a supply of industrial fruit on the market, and it is divided between five companies. The market is not subject to major changes. Each company has their own factory that they supply, and we respect each other's customers," says Alex. When asked what the pay is like, he says, "It is hard work for little, but we try to do our work properly following the motto 'call today, delivered yesterday'."

Although importing Polish apples seems like a logical step, since Poland is the largest apple producer in Europe, Ghys does not yet see a future there, "I try to stay close to home and focus on fruit from France, Belgium and the Netherlands. In terms of the different fruit varieties, the fresh market is leaning more and more towards the 'Gala' and 'Braeburn' varieties. Jonagold and Golden are done."

At Ghysco the ratio of the domestic market to the export market is 70/30%. In previous years the company has exported a great deal of fruit to France, but this year that has dropped to zero, "There are still some Conference and Comice pears going to France, but this year the apple export is a disaster. Now the focus is on our Belgian and Dutch customers." Although Conference pears are Ghysco's biggest product, Ghys has never had the need to enter the Russian market, as many Belgian hard fruit exporters have done.

For more information:
Alex Ghys
Ghysco bvba
Wortegemstraat 124
9700 Oudenaarde
Mob: +32 0475 41 44 10
ghysco@skynet.be