Shortly before the start of the Dutch greenhouse season, Hendrix visited several wholesalers in Germany. Almost everywhere, enthusiasm for the Dutch greenhouse products is very strong. Cucumbers and aubergines have been around since mid-February and peppers are also around in large numbers. Especially in the case of strawberries, the Dutch acreage has increased rapidly in recent years. "Both demand and price are generally very good. Besides, it's also a seasonal product with which you can differentiate yourself. Freshness, a large, full fruit and shelf life are very important."
Varieties
As soon as the first harvest starts at the beginning of March, German wholesalers prefer the Dutch fruit. According to Hendrix, this has mainly to do with the fact that the transport routes -in contrast to those with Spain- are so much shorter. "Of course the Spanish strawberries have the disadvantage that they have to come from farther away, having to stay fresh for longer. This often affects their look and taste. That makes the South European strawberries incomparable with ours."
In the company warehouse of Hendrix Fruit & Vegetables
Until a few years ago, the strawberries from German soil did not come into focus until the beginning of the open field season. Now that the greenhouse area is rapidly increasing, so is the German supply of greenhouse strawberries. "But I do not see this as competition: we all have to work together to ensure sufficient production and to uphold the reputation of the strawberry. This is, I think, the most important thing." To his delight, Hendrix also sees that the industry is developing, with some interesting results. "In the German trade, especially in the last two years the 'Clery' variety is the main one in demand. Even the tastier Sonata is a popular variety, although it is more expensive. In addition, plastic trays are taboo and only cardboard is being used. When it comes to large packages, people have switched almost completely to wooden boxes instead of the EPS system.”
Until a few years ago, the strawberries from German soil did not come into focus until the beginning of the open field season. Now that the greenhouse area is rapidly increasing, so is the German supply of greenhouse strawberries. "But I do not see this as competition: we all have to work together to ensure sufficient production and to uphold the reputation of the strawberry. This is, I think, the most important thing." To his delight, Hendrix also sees that the industry is developing, with some interesting results. "In the German trade, especially in the last two years the 'Clery' variety is the main one in demand. Even the tastier Sonata is a popular variety, although it is more expensive. In addition, plastic trays are taboo and only cardboard is being used. When it comes to large packages, people have switched almost completely to wooden boxes instead of the EPS system.”
Hendrix Fruit was founded in 2010 and is located on the Fresh Park in Venlo, near the German-Dutch border. From its inception, owner Jeroen Hendrix has focused exclusively on German wholesalers with his complete F&V range, catering to suppliers and the processing industry. In addition to strawberries and greenhouse vegetables, the focus is on exotic fruits, sprouts and hard fruit. Asparagus is also offered during the open field season.
For more information:
Hendrix Fruit & Vegetables
Jeroen Hendrix
Tel.: +31 (0)77 3968964
Fax: +31 (0)77 3968971
E-Mail: info@hendrixfruit.nl
Internet: www.hendrixfruit.nl