'Easy does it'. That is Loek Smets of the Dutch wholesaler P. Smets' credo in this hot weather. "You can try to force things, but it's no use. Trade is always flat when the weather's this fine," he says.
Smets' clients are within a 150km radius of the business in Geleen, so in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. They sell about 65% of their produce to stores, 20% to markets, and 15% to the hospitality industry. "We really can't complain yet. But quite a few of our customers are market vendors, and they're selling a lot less now. And greengrocers can't display their wares outside either."
"But there are plenty of good sales. Melons, of course, but also soft fruit, peaches, nectarines, and cherries are selling like hot cakes," Loek explains. "I do think inflation will affect the entire economy. I haven't noticed it yet, but I expect a reaction."
The director is confident about the wholesale company's future. "We don't let current fads affect us too easily, and we're excellent at unfailingly following our own course. That has been a constant over the years," Loek concludes.
For more information:
Loek Smets
P. Smets & Zn
11 Hofdwarsweg
6161 DE, Geleen, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 464 742 381
Email: Loek@psmets.nl
Website: www.psmets.nl