Throughout the year fruit and vegetable wholesaler Denaeghel has grown step by step through takeovers. The family company is located in Brugge and is one of the larger suppliers there. "There used to be a lot of wholesalers on the wholesale market here, but there are now only a few left. We consciously don't supply to catering, but instead supply smaller wholesalers, stores, supermarkets and market stalls. At the moment we're in the busiest period of the year," says owner Frederick Denaeghel. The location in Brugge is around 4000 square metres at the moment.
Around twenty people work at Denaeghel. "We define ourselves because we are an experienced and independent wholesaler and can work flexibly. We deliver orders ourselves with our lorries." Frederick believes the biggest change in recent years is the demand for better and better products. "The quality, the calibre and the appearance of the fruits and vegetables have to be perfect. "The 'pallet trade' is almost gone. The tourists that regularly come to Brugge have more to spend and eat differently. Another challenge is that customers want to have products delivered more quickly. We definitely play into this."
Own growers
Denaeghel buys its products from various Belgian auctions, straight from growers and at the import centre in Brussels. 'We also import some of our products from France and Spain ourselves. We mainly get citrus from Spain and we have been getting our stonefruit from France for years. To get the best quality products you have to make sure you are in direct contact with your suppliers. We have been getting a lot of Belgian cherries from the grower Gielen for years. We think it's important to carry good brands and customers appreciate this. For instance we supply Solune, Fiesta, Albert, Sucré and Bomi."
Demand for packaged product
The wholesaler has its own banana ripening place where mainly Chiquita and Bonita bananas are ripened. In recent years customers have been asking for packaged producs more. "This is why we set up our own line and invested in machines where we flowpack herbs and other vegetables. Our buyers are very enthusiastic about the longer shelf life." Denaeghel has further opportunities to expand in the future. "There is still sufficient space here on the wholesale market, so there are certainly still opportunities," concludes Frederick.
For more information:
Denaeghel groenten en fruit
Sint-Pieterszuidstraat 39&73
B-8000 Brugge
T: (+32) 050-316372
F: (+32) 050-310463
www.denaeghel.eu
info@denaeghel.eu