Netherlands: “Fewer cranberries because of Hurricane Sandy”

The cranberry season for Dutch importer Vroegop-Windig was going swell, until hurricane Sandy raged across the US. The storm caused a 40% drop in the supply of cranberries for European markets. According to Xander Rodenburg the company has, in many cases, not been able to meet demands. Another contributing factor, claims the importer, is Thanksgiving: “We think the holiday increased the domestic demand for cranberries, thinning supplies.”

Before these circumstances arose, business was just fine. “Ocean Spray invested heavily in the improvement of harvest methods,” says Xander, “leading to an increase of quality produce for Europe. Other important investments include growers, irrigation, packaging and conditioned storage. So far, I think we are benefiting from these ventures.”

The Ocean Spray cranberry is cultivated in Quebec, Canada. Ocean Spray is market leader and employs about 600 cranberry growers. The four main growing areas are Massachusetts, Wisconsin, British Columbia and Quebec. According to the company, sales of Ocean Spray Cranberries have increased this year. "More and more customers are interested in cranberries, and this season we have quite a few new customers."

For more information:
Xander Rodenburg
Vroegop-Windig
Jan van Galenstraat 4 (Food Center)
1051 KL Amsterdam
Tel.: 0031 20 606 18 18
Fax: 0031 20 606 18 82
www.vroegop.nl