As usual, the Dutch dried fruit and nuts company Tovano was busy last week because of Easter. "In recent years, Easter sales have always been excellent. People often receive plenty of packages at Christmas, but at Easter, they take more time to make their homes welcoming," says Richard Strijbis.
"Plus, these days, people opt for goods that are just that bit more luxurious, such as good-quality walnuts or pine nuts. Those sell slightly better in the week before Easter. But even average goods still sell well, especially for consumers with tighter budgets."
"This year, Israeli Medjool dates had a fantastic season. Competition for this product is cutthroat, but sales volumes have been good. Availability is now decreasing, which somewhat benefited us because then our expertise comes more into play. This year, Tunisian dates sold well too, and we sold far more than last year. Dates are becoming increasingly popular. After all, it's a healthy, entirely natural food," Richard continues.
Golden raisins
He says dried fruit and nuts are more readily available. "The supply chain has normalized somewhat again. Still, both at the source and in shipping, you're warier of unexpected, slight delays. You just have to anticipate that in time because it would be a great pity to miss out."
"We've already received the first blue raisins from South Africa. The golden ones will follow this week. Dried fruit with no added sugars is also arriving from South Africa again this month," Richard explains. "The flow of prunes and walnuts from the southern countries will also start up again in a month or two."
Pitted dates
Ramadan, too, usually boosts Tovano's sales but not as much as before, Richard admits. "Before, you had to ensure you had plenty of extra dates. Not so much anymore. The tricky thing with this target group is that, for a slightly lower price, they'll easily shop somewhere else. Some stick more strictly to the rules of this celebration. That somewhat reduces the influence on our trade. Nonetheless, we're certainly not dissatisfied with the volumes," he concludes.
For more information:
Richard Strijbis
Tovano
47 Transportweg
4676 LM, Maasdijk, NL
Tel.: (0) 174 528 333
Email: richard@tovano.nl
Website: www.tovano.nl