The consequences of closing the Dutch catering industry are major for Van Gelde Groente en Fruit. "This is very intense. We are so focused on the catering industry that we do not just have an alternative to go to with our large volumes. We do sell on to vegetable specialist shops and independent supermarket entrepreneurs, who are busy, but we cannot do that for all of our product for long," says Gerrit van Gelder. “Our production departments with the cutting plant, High Care and hot kitchen are also almost completely shut down.”
"All in all, we are a big victim of this outbreak. But that also applies to our customers. The catering industry is now on the wrong side of the line and is being hit very hard. We are going from full capacity to almost nothing. Fortunately, our people are positive. Of the 500 employees, about 100 are still working and we have gone from three shifts to one. People's health comes first," emphasises Gerrit.
“Due to this unbelievable situation, we are currently unable to realise all agreed purchasing volumes from our suppliers and partners. We are taking the opportunity to make the move from the Handelsweg to the new building earlier and faster. Fortunately, our financial position is good and I am absolutely not worried about the continued existence of Van Gelder ”, says the CEO. "We will definitely get out of this, but now we have to go through the rough part together."
For more information:
Gerrit van Gelder
Van Gelder Vegetables and Fruit 
Handelsweg 70
2988 DB Ridderkerk
Tel: 0031 (0) 6 17 94 65 50
gvangelder@vangeldernederland.nl
www.vangeldernederland.nl