On Monday, October 19, the global onion sector convenes in the Van der Valk Hotel in Middelburg. There, the Holland Onion Association of the GroentenFruit Huis organizes an International Onion Congress on the eve of the annual Euronion congress. Speakers are Hans Christoph Behr (AMI, Germany), Wayne Mininger (National Onion Association, USA) and Thomas Eskesen (Maersk, Denmark). The Dutch sector will reveal its international promotional campaign during the congress.
From top left, clockwise: Thomas Eskesen (Maersk), Hans Christoph Behr (AMI), Jo-Annes de Bat (Zeeland Province), Gijsbrecht Gunter (Frugi Venta), Wayne Mininger (Onion Association US)
Chairman Gijsbrecht Gunter of the Holland Onion Association looks to the congress with optimism. "The number of subscriptions has now passed 100, which means we have more than met our intended number of participants. The invitations have been sent in a targeted manner. As far as I'm concerned, it's a must for every exporter and packing station to visit the congress, with or without their international clients. Around 30 percent of participants comes from abroad. Dr. Hans-Christoph Behr of German Agricultural Market Information (AMI) will present this season's harvest figures for all major onion producing countries in Europe. I can't imagine there being an exporter who isn't interested in this."
"In addition to our members, we will also receive government organizations, seed breeders and other parties that are part of the huge onion chain. With various chain partners, we have agreed to conduct chain-wide research into quality improvement. We hope to reveal some of this during the congress already. I am proud that this big investment is supported by various partners from the entire onion chain. So it's definitely not just a party for the onion trade. I am proud that the onion sector, after having lost the Horticulture Product Board, unanimously rose to the challenge to do more together with fewer means," Gijsbrecht goes on to say.
"This all coincides with the introduction of a new, fresh identity for the Dutch onion, where we want to present the Dutch onion sector not only with a new logo, but as a sector that stands out and is innovative, and also translates this into added value for all participants. The revelation of this new promotional concept will be done by provincial executive Jo-Annes de Bat of Zeeland. He used to work for the Zeeland association of onion processors (Zuver), and as a farmer's son, in the past transported onions by tractor to the processors, so he is very familiar with the sector," Gijsbrecht says. As an executive, Jo-Annes' responsibilities include Economy, Agriculture, Rural Development and Treasury.
Internationally, the onion audience also has plenty to look forward to next week. Wayne Mininger, Executive Vice President of the American Onion Association, will provide insight into the American marketing strategy, and Thomas Eskesen, former vice president of Maersk Line, will examine the latest logistical developments. The congress is concluded with a dinner buffet, where the international participants in the annual "Euronion" meeting on October 20 will also be present.
Members of GroentenFruit Huis can subscribe for free along with an (international) relation (maximum 3 individuals per company in total). Non-members pay €35 ex. VAT per person. Subscription can be done through the website www.holland-onions.com/subscribe