FruitMasters ended 2017 with a growth in both their turnover and net results. Their turnover came to EUR222 million this past year. This is compared to EUR196 million in 2016. Their net profit was EUR596.000. A year earlier it was only EUR129.000. EBITDA rose from EUR4,9 million in 2016 to EUR6,3 million last year. EBITDA is the result achieved before tax and depreciation. Sjors Kruiper is the Financial Director at this Dutch cooperative. He explains that these good figures were mainly due to the effect of prices. "Our acreage is growing but not at this rate."
The Financial Director is pleased with these figures as a whole. According to him, the mood is, however, not euphoric. "We are a growers cooperative. Many fruit growers had to contend with spring frost. This considerably diminished the available volume in the Netherlands", he says. "Many growers in Zeeland and South Limburg could not use irrigation. They, therefore, did not benefit from these good prices. In spite of this, many FruitMasters members can look back on a profitable year. The cooperative, as a whole, ended 2017 well."
Sales distribution
FruitMasters already sell their products in more than 40 countries. They are, therefore, focusing their attention on developing new sales markets. They also want to expand their international market. Local, as well as international promotion, creates a positive energy for the fruit. In the end, it also creates more awareness of the Dutch products. FruitMasters guarantees sales continuity for top and soft fruit. They achieve this by forming long-term relationships with their buyers.
It starts with the trees…
FruitMasters has been investing in every step of the chain for many years. "Dutch growers can only have a future if they have quality products. The realisation of higher volumes and a good pack-out begins with the right trees, bushes, and plants. Growers and FruitMasters are continually looking for varieties that meet market expectations. This is done in working groups. Distinctive concept varieties have earned their place on the market. These varieties include the Kanzi and Migo. Customers and consumers also prefer the tasty, ever-bearing strawberries", says Sjors.
FruitMasters has confidence in the future. This is thanks to the prospects for cultivation, the good sales distribution, and the strong product portfolio. The results were presented, and approved, on 18 April at the Members General Meeting.