Peru is BeFair Bio's avocado trade's beating heart. This Dutch company specializes in organic and socially certified fruit and vegetables. "We wanted to do things differently," says Roelant Komen, who co-founded BeFair Bio three years ago. "We naturally want to be a reliable supplier for our customers, but we focus at least as much on nature and our growers."
© BeFair BioRoelant Komen, Yesy Lalupu en José Cubero van BeFair Bio at Fruit Attraction 2025
"Conditions are perfect [in Peru]," adds import manager José Cubero. BeFair Bio works with dozens of small and medium-sized growers, mainly in Peru, but also in other Latin American and African countries. Peruvian avocados are available from April to September. "After that, we source them from Mexico," explains Roelant. "And in November, our clients switch to Spanish products."
It takes about three weeks for the avocados to reach Europe from Peru. "They travel in CA containers – Controlled Atmosphere – which extends their shelf life. That's unmissable for journeys of more than two weeks. Mangoes, available from week 46 to mid-April, aren't transported in CA containers. That works fine, as long as the chain is well coordinated," Roelant points out.
© BeFair Bio BeFair Bio Peru has about forty avocado growers and the same number of mango growers
Demand for organic avocados is rising steadily. "Nowadays, you can even find them at discount stores." Organic avocados can be pricier than their conventional counterparts, depending on market conditions. "Last summer, there was a clear difference. Since there were large volumes of conventional avocados on the market, organic avocados were at least 30% more expensive. That pushed prices down," Roelant continues.
Organic avocados are also often slightly smaller because of the climate and limits of non-chemical cultivation. That, though, does not have to be a problem, according to BeFair Bio. "We sell all sizes, including the small ones, to markets such as China. They're open to that."
© BeFair Bio
The company works not only with European supermarkets, but also with organic greengrocers, wholesalers, and processors. "Most supermarkets buy the medium sizes. We can sell small or large avocados elsewhere. Growers from whom we purchase the entire harvest are, therefore, left with no surpluses," Roelant adds.
Although avocados form a vital part of their range, BeFair Bio imports mangoes from Peru, Brazil, the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, too. Limes come from Colombia and Brazil, citrus and grapes from Chile, South Africa, and they source top fruit from Argentina and Chile. They buy ginger, another major organic product, from other Peruvian growers. "That's a growth market which fits well within our range of tasty, healthy products," Roelant concludes.
© BeFair Bio
The German-speaking countries, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, are BeFair Bio's top markets. But France and the Netherlands are also important. Eastern Europe shows growth potential, although for now, volumes remain limited.
For more information
Roelant Komen
BeFair Bio
Tel: +31 (0)174 257 213
Mob: +31 (0)6 1907 5650
[email protected]
www.befairbio.com
