"People are increasingly considering nuts as a good protein source," says Bas Sengers, owner of Best of Bio. This Dutch trader focuses on organic nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and grains. "The trend towards a plant-based diet continues. And if you skip meat and dairy, you'll be short of protein. You can supplement that by eating things like nuts. Raw, unsalted nuts are the healthiest."
"That's the biggest trend: as pure as possible," says Bas. He sees that Brazil nuts, for example, are on the rise. "Those are a great source of selenium. Along with zinc, that helps speed up recovery after an illness. They're used as a type of medicine." However, he warns that Brazil nuts are not a snack. If you eat more than the maximum daily recommendation of three to five nuts, your body could form hydrocyanic acid.
Consumption
The trader does not expect total nut consumption to increase much in the years to come. However, the awareness of organic nuts is rising. There are enough of these, but that supply can fluctuate. "Organic cultivation has to deal with many restrictions and is highly dependent on weather conditions. So, harvests can fail. Then there's less supply, which raises prices."
That higher price moderately consumption, says Bas. He cites Brazil nuts as an example. "A few years ago, its consumer price was €30/kg. Now, a kilo costs around €17. Due to poor harvests, prices should be much higher again next year. Nevertheless, I don't think Brazil nut sales will decrease very much. Most people simply want the product. Then the price is less important."
Private label
Sengers notes that the demand for organic in wholesale trading is also on the rise. He does this in addition to his organic specialist store, Best of Bio. "It's going extremely well. That's because we're filling a market gap. Best of Bio wholesale offers independent organic businesses of all sizes the opportunity to carry a private label." This assortment's best seller is the unroasted nut mix. It consists of hazel, cashew, brazil, walnuts, and almonds. This product's value-for-money appeals to both specialty retailers and consumers.
To realize the lowest price in the market, Best of Bio bypasses several links in the chain. It buys its nuts directly from the importer. People who struggle to find their place in the job market pack the nuts in 500g and one kg packs. "That's interesting both social entrepreneurship and price-wise," he says. Lastly, Best of Bio offers specialty stores the space to earn on the product. And not to try and achieve the highest margin as a wholesaler. "Then you quickly become the cheapest," concludes Bas.
Bas Sengers
Best of Bio Organic Food
06 39332121
info@bestofbio.nl
www.bestofbio.nl