December is traditionally a peak month for the exotics market. Almost every supermarket makes space on its shelves for this category of fresh produce. Elena Rogojnikova of Hagé International sees it is a busier time. “Christmas is fast approaching”, she begins. “This is when we like to spoil our friends and family at Christmas dinner. For us, as an exotics supplier, this is an important time.”The most important product in the range is none other than the avocado. “This is our pride and joy”, says Elena. “We offer our customers avocados throughout the year. We import our fruit from various countries in South America and Africa, and also from Spain.”The market for avocados has increased dramatically in Europe in recent years. “From a strange guest at the European table to a food eaten almost daily by many people”, says Elena. “Thanks to its healthy qualities, as well as its taste, avocados are ideal for making salads, smoothies, spreads, guacamole and even cakes.”
The prices for this exotic were quite high. The reason for this is the adverse weather conditions in South America. The demand, however, has hardly been affected. “Our most important avocado markets are mainly Dutch retailers”, says Elena, “but we also have customers in Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and Italy.”More top sellers in the range
Their range is more extensive than just avocados. “We supply a broad range of exotics, which are enjoying an ever-increasing demand, with a peak during the Christmas season. Pomegranates, lychees, kumquats, papaya, passion fruit, dragon fruit and figs appear more frequently on consumers’ shopping lists”, says Elena, summing up some top sellers in their assortment. She also comments that it is important to inform consumers fully. “With exotics, it is, of course, of the utmost importance that we educate the consumer about the products’ taste and how they can prepare the product”, she continues. “We achieve this by including brochures in, or instructions on how to use the product on the packaging.”
Although exotics remain a small group in comparison to other product groups, food safety and sustainability are of paramount importance in its trade. “Our assortment is GlobalGAP certified and also has social certification, like BSCI, Rainforest Alliance, Smeta, Siza, and Fair Trade,” concludes Elena. “Our motto is to supply our clients with the best quality products. We can achieve this by choosing the most reliable suppliers.”
More information:
Hagé International
Elena Rogojnikova
E.Rogojnikova@thegreenery.com
www.hage-international.nl