Next week it's All Saints day in Belgium, as well as the autumn holidays. "This is always noticeable in the trade. It get quieter, people buy less and makes plan to go away," says Annie Lebleu of wholesaler Verdigro in Heule (Kortrijk). She indicates that the trade is always a bit flat around this time.
Cordero
Verdigro is active on the wholesale market in Kortrijk and Roeselare, and is known for citrus of the brand Cordero. "We have the exclusive right to sell this citrus on the market in both Kortrijk and Roeselare. We know the Spanish supplier personally and have good contacts with them. We don't import it directly, but through importer, Van Lier, from Brussels. As far as flavour is concerned Cordero is one of the better brands, so we're happy to have it in our assortment. At the moment the South African season has ended and we have none. The Spanish season doesn't start until the first week of November. We are very satisfied with the course of the South African season, in particular the Navel Late Cambria was great and our customers were very happy."
Looking forward to the new season
According to Annie the seasons usually overlap and there is usually still South African citrus on the market when the Spanish starts. "If this happens they only want the new produce, so I think this is better. Although, it's a double edged sword: now that Cordero is starting later, some will start with a different brand. There is Spanish citrus on the market, but Cordero only starts when it has reached a certain brix level, and at the moment it isn't high enough. We and our customer are looking forward to the new Spanish season."
For more information:
Annie Lebleu
Verdigro BVBA
Groenestraat 440
8800 Roeselare
Tel: +32 (0)51/20 27 52
Fax: +32 (0)51/20 87 61
Gsm Dirk: 0475 236 712
Gsm Annie: 0476 412 512
info@verdigro.be
www.verdigrogroentenfruit.be