As a true open-field vegetable farming family descendant, Jim Sijm is no stranger to entrepreneurship. Since last year, his company, JSZ Trading, has been focused on exporting open-field vegetables to Central Europe.
"I did a three-month internship in Romania where I built good contacts. So, I export most of my trade to Romania and Bulgaria," says Jim. "For the time of year, I don't find exports disappointing. Demand from these countries often only explodes in February. This year, we already sent quite a lot of trade in December; January was a bit quiet, but February started well again."
"Potatoes and red onions are my main year-round products. However, last year, we also exported plenty of carrots and celeriac. Open-field vegetables are generally currently well-priced, which poses a challenge for some vegetables. Celeriac exports, for example, continue well, but for carrots, because of the high prices, there's increased competition from, say, Turkey," Jim explains.
"I think onion demand will burst forth soon. There are also Egyptian onions on the market, but those are still of a different order than Dutch, German, or Austrian ones. I expect onions to become even pricier. Despite Egyptian exports starting up, prices aren't yet being affected. I see yellow onion prices reaching a euro."
Jim's office is in Zwaagdijk-Oost, in the middle of North Holland's cultivation area. "I get onions from all over the country, but for potatoes, celeriac, and cabbage, I work well with local growers and processors. It's precisely these short lines that let me operate flexibly. My clients usually arrange their own transportation. I'm satisfied with this start to fruit and vegetable exports and want to build a nice business," Jim concludes.
For more information:
Jim Sijm
JSZ Trading
Zwaagdijk-Oost
1684 ND, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 640 949 060
Email: info@jsztrading.nl
Website: www.jsztrading.com