"Market trade is silent, gastronomics continue"

The consequences of the cold aren't too bad in Cash&Carry sales at Staay-Van Rijn in Venlo, reports director Ron de Greeff. "The market trade is silent at the moment, but the companies that supply gastronomy, canteens and institutions continue. We see the same in our export department. Strikingly enough it was a busy day at the Cash&Carry yesterday. Perhaps a glimpse of the future, as sunnier weather is expected after the weekend."

"I hear from the Cash&Carry department that the sales of citrus and winter vegetables are especially good due to the cold. The sales of peppers and cucumber are also going well, although tomatoes are lagging behind. The storms at sea are also causing delays in the supply of overseas products like melons and pineapples," says De Greeff.

Tim Yzewyn of the eponymous wholesaler on the Antwerp wholesale market would like it to get warmer again soon. "We have had the coldest February in years. We are making figures, but there is little extra. However, if the sun comes out tomorrow it could be a very different picture." According to Tim it is mainly the standard products that are doing well. "Sauerkraut for instance isn't an item for the Belgian market."

Yzewyn & Co has a special clientele, which includes the better fresh stores and butchers. "Our customers want to define themselves with special products and we like to think 'out-of-the-box'. We are organising a culinary fresh fair next week in Antwerp where we will present innovative recipes and ideas. We have high expectations from this."

ron.de.greeff@staay-vanrijn.nl
tim.yzewyn@yzewyn.com