In August 2015, organic market BEO was launched in Ghent. “In short, we want everyone to be able to consume organic products at affordable prices,” says Henri Vercruysse, one of the founders of the concept. Besides the market in Ghent, customers can also visit the BEO fresh bar for a smoothie or other delicacies.
Even lower than conventional
The market mostly sells fruit and vegetables. “But in addition we also offer other organic products such as cheese, fruit, bread, meat, seeds, nuts and much more. We get our fruit and vegetables directly from the cultivators, both domestically and abroad. For example, we import our citrus personally from Sicily. In that manner we keep prices normal for our customers. Besides, we think local is important, but we do not want to limit our supply.” Vercruysse thinks affordable is cheaper than in supermarkets. “In many cases, we are cheaper than the organic products offered in retail. Sometimes we can even offer our products at lower prices than conventional fruit and vegetables.”
Second branch
BEO will soon open a second branch in the old building of fresh produce trader Eric Vandeputte in Nevele, Belgium. “Many of our products were already being sent there, and it is the perfect place to open a second branch. We expect to be able to start at the end of March. It is already going great in Ghent, and we expect it to be a success there as well. There is demand, in any case, we are already supplying many packets in the neighbourhood on Saturdays.”
Change
Vercruysse indicates he did not have the idea because the organic sector is growing so quickly. “I did not think ‘I have to jump on this bandwagon,’ but I wanted to bring about change. I saw the need for something else, and wanted to change something with fellow founder Philippe. People should be more aware of food, and we want to help them. We are doing this out of conviction, and that is a theme for many organic entrepreneurs.” He is not planning on building a BEO chain in future. “I do not feel like that. It would become a system that undermines my goal and vision. It is meant to offer beautiful products at an affordable price, and when you start expanding, costs increase and eventually prices will rise. That is not going to happen at BEO. For now, we will stick to two branches. The plan is not to become the largest organic supplier of Belgium.”
BEO fresh bar
Besides the market, the building also houses a fresh bar. “Products are processed here, when we can no longer sell them as fresh. We make soups, salads and smoothies, and people can naturally also come to us for a cup of coffee. And it is all organic, of course!” For more information:
BEO
T: +32 (0)9 33 55 706
Heilige Geeststraat 900
Ghent - Belgium
info@beo-markt.be
www.beo-markt.be