The impact of the corona virus has not left the trade in nuts and tropical fruits unscathed. "In other years we often said that Easter is more important to us than the Christmas sale, but this year cannot be compared to others," says Richard Strijbis of Tovano from Maasdijk.
"This year sales are just on the back burner. We are glad that we have a wide variety of customers, so we see sufficient prospects. Sales to supermarkets, exporters and wholesalers are continuing reasonably well, only sales to the catering industry have come to a standstill in one go, but we are in the food sector and also have a product that you can store for a while, which is different with fresh strawberries," the trader remains positive.
In addition, the period leading up to Ramadan traditionally gives sales a boost. "Take the more exclusive Chilean walnuts or almonds for example, which are getting a boost towards Ramadan. And where this fasting month may have decreased in importance among the younger generation in recent years, I expect that especially in these times when many people are at home, Ramadan will be celebrated. "
"The complex is currently more in the supply. Due to the lockdown in the North African countries you have to pull out all the stops to arrange the supply properly. We are currently seeing that in the dates, but also in the dried fruit that we source from South Africa, without added sugars. We now offer the varieties mango, pineapple, apple, peach and banana, and more and more people are taking this healthy and responsible snack with them. "
For more information:
Richard Strijbis
Tovano 
Transportweg 47
4676 LM Maasdijk
Tel .: (0174) 52 83 33
Fax: (0174) 52 80 01
richard@tovano.nl
www.tovano.nl