More organic product available for processing in the Netherlands

Thanks to an ever-increasing group of organic growers, there’s more room for the processing industry on this market. Volumes are getting larger, and because of that, more is available to the larger processing companies. Bioorganic Holland BV recently added vacuum-packed products to their range. With this, the company became the first in the sector to offer these products, according to Rob Grabert.

“We mostly process products of Dutch origin,” Rob says. “Carrots, onions, pumpkins, potatoes, scorzoneras, cauliflower and broccoli,” he sums up a few of the products. “But we can extend our assortment if the customer so desires.” Courgette and bell pepper are also processed. Outside of the Dutch season, these products are imported from Spain or Italy. “We naturally choose the shortest route, with as little transport as possible, but sometimes it can’t be helped. That’s when we import from Italy and Spain, for instance.”

Bioorganic Srl was founded in Italy in 1999. The Dutch branch followed in 2006. The company was ahead of the market by doing so. “We have nearly 20 years of experience. In the 1990s we were one of the first,” he looks back. “Thanks to the combination of various geographic regions, we can offer a number of products practically year-round. We have sustainable relationships with many growers throughout Europe.”

Although there’s demand for vacuum-packed products in the Netherlands, Italy and Germany, it’s a product that requires some explanation. “We know customers have to get used to it, and that we carefully have to explain what the products can be used for. Much still has to be done in that regard.” One of the things consumers and customers often don’t understand, is that nutritional value and vitamins are retained during the process. “When temperatures are too high, vitamins and minerals are lost. Because of the low temperature-process that isn’t the case with vacuum-packing. It’s an additional advantage. Besides, the process extends shelf life by at least 30 days.”

Bioorganic Holland BV works with Van Kempen Foods from Eindhoven for the production of vacuum-packed vegetables. “We’re specialised in supplying organic materials. They process the products,” Rob summarises the cooperation. During the process, strict procedures are in place to meet requirements for organic certification of SKAL. For example, conventional and organic products have to be completely separate during processing. “The organic products are often processed first, and then the conventional ones, to minimise risks,” he continues. “Van Kempen Foods works according to the highest standards and meets many strict certificates, so that they have control of the entire processing process, and steps can easily be taken for organic certification.”

Processing organic products is a trend. “The growth of fresh organic products in retail is levelling off somewhat, if you ask me,” Rob characterises the market. “There’s much more competition in presentation, and the number of metres isn’t rising as quickly anymore.” On the other hand, the area and the number of growers working organically continues to rise. “Growers can choose between the fresh market, which has much competition, and supplying to industry much more often.” This is a broad trend that doesn’t just apply to vacuum-packed products. Demand for materials for, for example, frozen products and baby food is also increasing. “Organic production has scaled-up, and demand from industry follows automatically.”

The scale of organic growers in Europe is only increasing, so that processing industry becomes interesting as a buyer’s group. “We see that the willingness to grow for industry is also increasing. The combination of growers supplying to both the fresh market and industry is seen increasingly often. That development is now in full swing.”

“It’s mostly our role to help large processing companies that are switching to organic. These companies often don’t have a clear view of the organic market. We can offer that knowledge, because we’ve been active on this niche market for decades,” Rob continues. From this position, Bioorganic has a good view of the organic production throughout Europe. “Many companies here in the north view Southern Europe a certain way. Think of language, culture and risks that come with finding a partner for organic products. Bioorganic capitalises on this with its branch in Italy.”

Organic vacuum-packed products are marketed broadly. Retail, catering and smaller supermarket chains are part of the target audience. In Belgium, the products are sold by a major retailer. “The growth of convenience offers many opportunities. The shelf space in supermarkets with this category is only increasing.” In the long term, Rob therefore also sees room on the shelves for vacuum-packed products in supermarkets, although that does require communication towards consumers. “Pumpkin is a hype nowadays. When you buy fresh pumpkin and you leave it too long, it can’t even be used for soup anymore. Nowadays you can also find cut pumpkin squares, which have a limited shelf life as well. The vacuum-packed products have a shelf life of a month, so that consumers can be more flexible about when to use the products.”

Conventional retail plays an important part in the developments within the organic segment. “It’s the driving force behind these kinds of developments, this shouldn’t be underestimated,” Rob explains. Despite organic being a proper niche, the large supermarket chains often point the way for the sector. “Biggest sales now occur via conventional retail, so when they make a choice, the market has to follow. Naturally there are smaller players who have their own ideas as well.”

These products offer time-saving qualities for catering. The pre-cooked vegetables can immediately be used in dishes. Grilled bell pepper, for instance, is a product much in demand in catering. “A number of customers gain time this way.” A third category that is interested are the large kitchens that prepare meals for institutions. “Fresh isn’t always available, and for customers who use bulk, this can be a proper addition or solution.”

For more information:
BioOrganic
Rob Grabert