"Belgium and the Netherlands need to form one front for the pear"

A lot has already been written about the Russian boycott and the actions being taken against it. The Netherlands and Belgium has the exact same goal, but aren't carrying out the promotion together. "Why are we doing this separately? Let's wake up and form one front for the pear. We both supplied to Russia and grow the same product. We should be able to do this together!" according to Sven Roosen of fruit cultivation company Gerrits Fruit.

Not giving up
The grower indicates that they have an action group in their region and that they would like to enter into conversations with Dutch growers and exporters to work together. Svan notices that the mood among many is negative. "Of course, it's clear by now that we will have a very difficult year. But don't give up and let's try and find the positives instead. We have to do everything we can to promote the pear!"

Advertising with national football team
To get top fruit attention in a positive way, Gerrits Fruit recently entered a special action by the Belgian bank BNP Paribas Fortis. Companies can win a year's free advertising on the T-shirts of the national football team. "Many more companies entered this. Our goal isn't necessarily to win but to put our fruit 'in the picture'." He laughs: "Of course it would be great to have our name there."

Banks sympathise

Sven believes a very positive change in recent years is the view of the banks on the fruit cultivation sector. "A few years ago they were critical concerning investments in our sector, but this is now viewed differently. People know that we're struggling and they really want to support us. This is very valued by our growers."

For more information:
Gerrits Fruit
Hasseltsesteenweg 131
3720 Kortessem
+32 11 37 60 17
+32 11 37 60 17
info@gerritsfruit.com
www.gerritsfruit.com