In the summer, local European production usually slows the import of delicate vegetables like snow peas, sugar snaps, haricots verts, peas, and dwarf and French beans. "Sales are picking up now that the vacations are over again," says Pepijn de Koning of FV Seleqt.
FV Seleqt used to get its snow peas and sugar snaps via boat from Peru, Zimbabwe, and Zambia and by plane from Kenya. But this summer, this Dutch importer has sea freight from Kenya, too. "Our customers responded very enthusiastically to this switch, as flown-in sugar snaps and snow peas have fallen out of favor with many retailers. And although they didn't arrive in the easiest market, clients love that they can import year-round by boat, where Kenya provides a solution."
Pepijn says current supplies from those four main origins are at good levels. "However, availability from Peru is expected to be lower due to El Niño, which will affect us for the rest of the year, too. Weeks 40 through 50 are usually the most difficult, availability-wise. El Niño will, thus, make this year even more challenging. Thanks to our farms in Africa, complemented by a strong global network of partner growers, we should be able to supply our buyers well," he says.
According to Pepijn, the demand for delicate vegetables in Europe has been fairly stable for years. "Yet, these vegetables are considered trendy and, since they're a good source of protein, are also used as meat substitutes. Because of that, we expect a lot of these products in the coming years. Especially now that we can import them to Europe more sustainably almost year-round by boat."
Bimi® forms FV Seleqt's assortment's exception. The company is one of this product's licensees in the Netherlands. "These sales are rising considerably," says De Koning. "More and more consumers are becoming familiar with this relatively new vegetable. In the summer, we sell the Dutch-grown product. And from a risk-spreading point of view, also from Portugal (year-round). In the winter, we switch to Egypt, Kenya, and Spain. People are increasingly accepting Bimi®, and our sales figures in all channels - wholesale, catering, and retail - reflect that," Pepijn concludes.
For more information:
Pepijn de Koning
FV Seleqt
126 ABC Westland
2685 DB, Poeldijk, NL
Email: p.dekoning@fvseleqt.farm
Website: www.fvseleqt.farm