People thinking of the Algarve, often think of beautiful sandy beaches, rock masses and the excellent climate. The Dutch fresh produce trader Hans van Helvoirt mostly thinks of two words when thinking about the Algarve: Portuguese citrus. Years ago, he entered a packing station during a holiday in the Algarve, and Goldra Citrus was born a few hours later. Hans supplies the Portuguese citrus directly to various wholesalers, specialist shops and market traders.
His Goldra Citrus has been known for years as a brand that mostly emphasises the pure flavour sensation of the oranges, tangerines and lemons from the southern region of Portugal. Late February, Hans visited Portugal to maintain relationships with his suppliers, and maybe even more importantly, to discover and try new products.
“Besides citrus, we’re currently working hard to expand our assortment with kiwis and avocados, among other products,” Hans says. With his partner Teun Kanters, who has been living and working in Portugal for decades, Hans went looking for more options to provide the Dutch market with Portuguese fruit. A visit to the ‘Capital de Laranja’ fair (roughly translated: Capital of the Orange) resulted in some interesting new contacts, which could mean more great quality citrus in future.
Organic market
In addition to extending their range, Goldra Citrus is also working on another way of increasing their position on the market: “We’re now talking to several companies that are very good in the organic sector. We’re aware organic products are becoming increasingly important in our branch. Goldra wants to be able to supply a broad range of products, that will be our focus in the coming months.”
“Right now we’re seeing an enormous supply of citrus on the market from various countries. Despite this, we’re also seeing an increase in the sales of our Portuguese oranges and tangerines. I therefore want to advice traders interested in our products or wondering what Goldra has to offer to contact us, so that we can talk to them, and so they can try our fruit to see why Portuguese fruit can be distinctive on the market.”
More information
Goldra Citrus
Hans van Helvoirt
Flegelstraat 7a
5306 AW Brakel
M: +31 (0)6-53434213
hans@goldra.nl
www.sinaasappels.eu