"A wide range, from tomatoes to Jerusalem artichokes"

Overall, 2016 has been a good year for Pacbelimex. "In France, sales went satisfactorily. In Eastern European countries, however, it didn't go as well due to higher prices," explains manager Valérie Braem. Originally, Pacbelimex was a French company that started in 1986, although it has long been based in Roeselare.

The product range of Pacbelimex is always expanding. "We offer a wide range, from tomatoes to Jerusalem artichokes. Pacbelimex is based in the heart of the production area of West Flanders: REO Auction. This allows us to offer ultra-fresh products every day. The fruits and vegetables come from the auction or directly from the growers. Almost all products are available under the Flandria label. Our own brands (for strawberries and tomatoes) are Delicious and Pacbel. We also sell in other European countries, including Spain, southern France and Italy."

For the coming years, the focus will be on maintaining and expanding the range. "We want to sell products of the highest quality all year round." Valérie points out that they currently export mostly to France. "France now accounts for the bulk of our sales. We want to keep our share there, but also grow in other countries. Northern Europe is a especially interesting market for us."

Valérie explains that she considers it important to continue innovating in 2017. "An example of this is the packaging for forgotten vegetables, which we have been selling since last year. The package includes celeriac, parsnip, beetroot, yellow and purple carrots and Jerusalem artichokes. Customers can create different mixes on demand. Other new products are the tomatoes from Tomabel under the Nova brand and the Miss Perfect from Hoogstraten. As regards packaging, the leek packaging for export from REO and the apple and pear mix from BelOrta are popular amongst our customers."

Pacbelimex will be present at Fruit Logistica between 8 and 10 February at Hall 6.2, Stand B06.