ZON: 20 million turnover decrease, but still in the black

ZON was able to keep figure in the black in 2014, like in the year before. The total turnover was 342 million Euro (2013: 362 million Euro). With the realisation of a positive result of 0.5 million ZON is consolidating the balance position it strengthened last year, in which the members profit from a lower provision. The decrease in turnover is directly linked to a lower volume. The average product price was stable. Fresh Park Venlo continues to live up to its function as an added value activity.

For an important part, the year 2014 was in the theme of tightening and further implementing ZON fruit & vegetables' commercial strategy developed in 2013. Sales through the strengthened auction clock on the market place on the one hand and more demand orientated sales to specific clients on the other, are the two pillars of this course. The strengthening of the clock worked satisfactorily and ZON was able to welcome new buyers.

The price formation for a considerable part of the product supply was once again disappointing in 2014. This was the general image for the Dutch horticulture: for peppers the price formation was downright disappointing, whilst due to an attractive price level during the year realised a positive development in the end. The prices for soft fruit, after a difficult start, developed positively in the second half of the last year. Fresh Park Venlo continues to develop positively. Due to the changed destination from 'auction' to 'fresh & food' in 2013 more food company location opportunities can now be offered.

In 2015 it is exactly 100 years ago that the Cooperative Auction Union (CVV) was founded. On the 18th of June Zon is celebrating the 100th birthday with an anniversary for members, employees, customers and other relations.

Sjraar Hoeijmakers new president of ZON
Sjraar Hoeijmakers from Horst was chosen as the new president of the growers' union council, ZON in the committee meeting on the 23rd of April. He will be succeeding Ton Reijnders, who resigned during the ZON General Members' meeting on the 23rd of April.

Sjraar Hoeijmakers (53) is a courgette grower with Hortus Avus in Horst. He has been a part of ZON cooperation and the Council of Commissioners since 2013.

Council
The general members' meeting (ALV) from 23 April also chose Lauran Geurts (49) grower of asparagus in Oirlo as a new member of the Council. The make up is now as follows:

Sjraar Hoeijmakers grower of greenhouse vegetables (president)
Michiel Penninx grower of fruit (vice president)
Hans Vereijken grower of greenhouse vegetables (secretary)
Wim Gubbels grower of greenhouse vegetables
Lauran Geurts grower of open ground vegetables

Next week there will be an extensive interview with ZON director Michiel van Ginkel in Primeur