“Despite the coronavirus crisis, we have very few problems with the supply of our overseas products. We receive mangoes, avocados and pineapples every week and these have only been delayed for a few days due to storms,” says Jan Vermeiren of Exofi. “We haven't had a supply of Chinese ginger since the outbreak. As a result, there is very little volume on the market and prices have almost doubled. Now that Peruvian ginger is arriving and Chinese production is starting up again, I expect volumes on the market to increase soon.”
Jan Vermeiren
In terms of supply, Vermeiren thinks that consumers will buy differently. “Consumers are starting to hoard a bit, although the situation in Belgium is not as bad as it is in Italy. The schools are still open, but I expect we certainly won't be getting off the hook that easily. Currently, sales have fallen by 10 percent, but I don't expect it to fall any further, because people still have to eat,” said Jan.
“Here in the European Center, trucks from Italy still arrive, despite Italy being quarantined. For now, this is not causing problems, but our government is taking limited measures to curb the virus, ”Jan continues. Another side effect of the coronavirus is that it is said that New Zealand will ship the first yellow kiwis to Europe two weeks earlier, in order to avoid Asia. These volumes can overwhelm the market and have a major impact on price-setting for the entire year. ”
For more information:
Exofi Fresh Market
Jan Vermeiren
Werkhuizenkaai 112, mag.25-26
B-100 Brussel, Belgium
T:+32(0) 2 243 1249
M:+32(0) 475 8609 80
info@exofi.be
www.exofi.be