Trade on the coast always declines significantly in winter, and approximately 15 years ago, fresh produce trader, Toon Velle, decided to offer something extra besides his fruit and vegetables. “Because it is usually calm after the summer, we also sell Christmas trees from late November. My employees and I then have something more to do in the shop. Besides, it is just a fun product to do on the side. I am quite happy with an end-of-year premium such as this!”
Directly form the cultivator
Velle indicates that his buyers are in various sectors. “We get both companies and individual persons. I used to buy my Christmas trees from a wholesaler, but for three years now, I got them directly from the cultivator. They are even better quality then.” Velle indicates that there was a visible growth during the first years that he sold Christmas trees. “These last years, sales have stagnated a bit, it remains somewhat similar. Price could possibly be one of the reasons. Prices for the trees I offer vary from 45 to 85 euro, so we are not the cheapest. But qualitatively, the evergreens are definitely worth it. By now, I have acquired some knowledge of the product, so I can say that, at least.”
For more information:
Groot & kleinhandel Velle
Abdijstraat 3
8670 Koksijde - Belgium
T: +32 (0)58 51 3872
F: +32 (0)58 52 4369
www.velle.be
info@velle.be