“The situation on the nut market is positive, but market prices for the various products vary greatly. Besides, we’ve noticed fluctuations on the global market and the problems regarding nature. The trade war between Trump and China definitely affects the import of certain products. You can’t always predict these kinds of circumstances, but you have to always keep them in mind,” says Alco Kappé of nut wholesaler’s Allnuts. “However, we’ve noticed the market becoming a bit more extreme every year. That’s why we buy a lot of products through agents in the relevant region, so they can check everything. I owe it to my customers to supply the right product with the right quality.”
The first special offers of nuts for this year are starting to arrive on the market. Prices are generally fairly high, but the market is currently used to high prices. The special offers therefore provide a bit of calm on the market. “The price of pine nuts is currently very high, and it’s expected these prices will continue rising for now. We’ll have to wait and see what prices will do as we head for the new harvest,” Alco says. “Last February, there was a shortage of certain qualities of pumpkin seeds, due to new regulations regarding certification. Three suppliers were out, but the majority of the sales are made under contract, and that means you have an obligation to deliver. It’s therefore important to work with the right suppliers and partners, to prevent these kinds of situations.”
Health trends
As a result of the health trends, the trader has seen demand for mueslis and seeds increasing sharply in recent months. “Nuts that aren’t roasted or seasoned are also very popular. Our entire range does well. More and more people add nuts to their daily diet, and as a nut trader, this is very obvious to us. Every year, we see the market recovering in autumn when it gets colder, but we no longer see the proper ups and downs of the past. We’ve noticed the market is becoming more and more stable,” Alco continues. Although the Netherlands is more of a nut country than Belgium, consumption in Belgium is increasing. “We’re seeing significant differences in consumption, though. In the Netherlands, roasted pistachios have a lot of oil on them, but these won’t soon be seen on the market in Belgium.”
Organic on the rise
“Demand for organic products is still increasing sharply. We’re seeing an enormously rising line in the popularity of organic. This is the case for the entire assortment. Besides, we’ve noticed that consumers who consciously choose organic are people who consume more nuts in general. The serious, organic nut eater understands the added value and the surcharge of the organic products,” Alco explains. “We as trader have also made a certain choice regarding assortment and packaging, which defines our product. We think it’s important to have a relationship of trust with our customers as well. In this sector, knowledge of industry and people is very important. Honesty towards our customers is therefore important.”
For more information:
Alco Kappé
Allnuts bvba
Industrieweg 1038
B-3540 Herk-De-Stad, Belgium
T: 32 495 79 87 42
F: 32 11 96 09 98
info@allnuts.be
www.allnuts.be