General Manager, Simon Matthews explains that, after first walking into the inaugural London Produce Show back in 2014, it was clear that this was, “the place to be” and the company had no hesitation in taking up the chance to exhibit in subsequent years.
“Our experience of the London show, with its different format and opportunities for networking, is that it leads to a deeper contact with clients and potential clients. It seems to be the more senior people from companies who attend this event. It is much more for networking and progressing relationships with existing customers. There is also a chance to interact with them socially, - you feel like you are on the same side of the table with them. The show definitely helped us define relationships with existing clients and progress with certain products and get some trials under way."
The past two years have seen considerable diversification for AgriCoat's NatureSeal business. In the UK in particular the company has worked closely with clients to meet their demand for greater diversity in the fresh cut offer. Customers want added colour or the inclusion of different fruits and flavours in the mix.
"We are seeing an increased uptake of NatureSeal in prepared stone fruit and in exotics such as mango. Last year, following extensive trials, NatureSeal BA-1 for banana was launched and fresh cut platters and mixes containing banana were successfully rolled out in a number of UK stores," explained Matthews. "Similarly we have not overlooked the prepared vegetable sector and the rise in popularity of heritage vegetables, such as coloured beets, carrots and pumpkins has also been important to our growth. In root crops the desire to eliminate sulphite treatments has also driven NatureSeal business in prepared potatoes, parsnips and squashes."
"The Netherlands is incredibly important to us, it is one of our biggest markets outside of the UK. We are hoping to replicate the positive experience of the London show and spend some more quality time with customers over there and get to know them better and to understand the Dutch market in more depth."
“The London Show has always been a good forum for expanding our business and for deepening relations with our partners. If we achieve the same from Amsterdam as we have in London, we will be very happy."
The Amsterdam Produce Show will take place 2-4 November.
The Amsterdam Produceshow.com
For more information:Simon Matthews
AgriCoat NatureSeal Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 1488 648988
Email: Simon.Matthews@agricoat.co.uk