The French importer-exporter Distrimex is becoming more and more international. Recently, the company opened offices in Chile and South Africa. Nathalie Casal, business manager: "Since it was founded in 1975 by my father, Distrimex has continued to develop in new countries."
"Until 2010, we mainly sold on the European market. Today, we export a lot to overseas countries, such as the Middle East, Asia, India and Egypt. Our goal is to penetrate the Chinese market, although it’s a complicated market. You really have to be present in all global markets, because geopolitical issues are too important. A market may close overnight, as we have witnessed in Russia."
Each year, Distrimex distributes 50,000 tons of fruits and vegetables worldwide. The apple is one of its flagship products.
Avoid bad competition
Distrimex has its own apple brands. "My father created Bel'pom in 1998. Then he created Soleia, and Shona in 2014. There is no difference between the products of the different brands. We simply offer them to avoid competition between our customers. If we have three big customers on a main market in a certain country , we can avoid that one customer offers the Bel'pom brand next to the other. The result would be bad competition and lower prices otherwise. This way, brand exclusivity can be guaranteed in the long term. This system works very well. The customer has the guarantee of a regular supply, while we have a guarantee of demand."
Four Distrimex brands: Bel'pom, Soleia, Bel’fruit and Shona
The Soleia brand
Soleia, Shona and Bel'pom apples
The Bel'pom brand
Price is an important factor
"This year, the apple market is under a lot of competition from European countries, because Europe has returned to normal production. It's hard to compete with countries like Poland, which sells cheap apples. Unfortunately, the price is a very important element today; this is due to global geopolitical problems, such as the wars in the Middle East, and the devaluations in India."
Nathalie at Asia Fruit Logistica in September 2018
Same customer group
"We always work in earnest with a long-term view of the market. It is about meeting all the health burdens and privileging long-term relationships with customers and suppliers. This partnership is very important. Unfortunately, the customer group is still the same. When we participate in exhibitions, we often meet the same people."
Distrimex has four establishments. "There is a team of 14 sales people in Avignon, all specialized in different international markets. Our office in Perpignan deals mainly with the French market. The offices in Chile and South Africa deal with sourcing and sales."
Next week Distrimex will be launching their new website.
For more information: 
DISTRIMEX
135, Av.Pierre Semard
M.I.N Bât T
84000 Avignon
France
+33 (0)4 90 13 62 62
n.casal@distrimex.fr
www.distrimex.fr