In the Netherlands, Veiling Zaltbommel Cooperative sold the first box of Kwanza raspberries of the season for €1,320. That was on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.
Proceeds
Fruithandel Sebrechts from Antwerp's wholesale market bought that first box. Martijn Nooijen brokered a price of €110 per 125g box for them. Veiling Zaltbommel doubled the proceeds of these first 12 punnets, reaching an amount of €2,640. And, as always, this money will be donated to charity.
F.l.t.r.: Martijn Nooijen (broker), Marja Klop, and René Simons.
These first Kwanzas come from Zachtfruitkwekerij Simon's greenhouse. René Simons proudly presented this first box of raspberries at the auction. This season began two weeks later than last year. René says that is mainly due to energy saving.
"We lit the crop less and, thus, tried to minimize those costs," he explains. The grower is optimistic about the new raspberry season, with positive expectations. The plant shoots are well established. That is partly why consumers can expect tasty, fresh Dutch Kwanza raspberries again.
Good cause
René will donate the proceeds to the Zaltbommel Protestant Church. This, and the other churches in Zaltbommel, are raising funds to help with the unprecedented humanitarian crisis occurring in Ukraine. Everyday products are needed. René and the cooperative hope to support that effort with this €2,640.
For more information:
Joletta Bok: +31 (0) 610 486 173
Jeroen van Beek: +31 (0) 613 330 698
Website: www.veiling-zaltbommel.nl
