At the end of June there was a party to celebrate the opening of Fresh Produce wholesaler Rutoma. Current as well as potential customers were invited. The building has mostly been renovated on the inside with new walls, lighting, and double gates. "The new cold rooms have new insulation as well. We look at this as an investment in the future." He is in no doubt about the right of existence of a wholesaler. "The business will definitely continue. Years ago, it was said that wholesalers would not last for much longer, but they are still there. Of course some companies don't make it in bad times and some remain," according to wholesaler Bjorn Franco, who runs the business together with his brother Kurt.
Bjorn next to the truck.
Headquarters in Evergem
The building was used by their father for the export of vegetables. Now the retailers and merchants at the coast and around Bruges are to be supplied from Jabbeke. Bjorn says: "We are established in Evergem as well and some customers were afraid that we would go away. This is not the case: we have a second sales location that is more accessible for other customers. Evergem will remain the headquarters. Every day fresh products are moved from one location to the other. An advantage is that people can just walk in and do not have to pay an entry fee. In Jabbeke we are opened from Monday to Saturday from 6.00 to 18.00 hr. In Evergem in the morning on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday."
Peeking in the warehouse.
Still quiet
There is enough potential in the area. "It is still quiet at the moment, but we are hoping for more customers," says Bjorn. We started with a few customers in Evergem more than twenty years ago as well and it has grown ever since. I think that we need word of mouth advertising around here."
Distinguishing ourselves
He states that they want to distinguish themselves regarding price and quality. "We want to offer the best quality for reasonable prices. We have products from various brands as well, such as citrus from Cibel or stone fruit of Louis Favel. This was not supplied here before. This way a retailer can distinguish himself as well. We offer the complete selection. If something is missing, we order it for the customer. Every day we retrieve our products from the auctions and also directly from growers. We are small and flexible and we can react quickly."
Below some pictures from the party in June:
For more information:
Bjorn Franco
Rutoma BVBA
Eernegemweg 154
8490 Jabbeke (Belgium)
T: +32 - (050) 81 90 00
F: +32 - (050) 81 90 09