After a tough time of high costs and many concerns, the European retail industry is slowly recovering. Times were hard for Lizzy's Nieuwe Oogst too, but this Belgian greengrocer sees the light at the end of the tunnel again. "For a while, the sector seemed to lack creativity, but now that things are going back in the right direction, we can consider wonderful new products again. That's also how we can distinguish ourselves from supermarkets," Annemie Van Eepoel says.
Spanish Nisperos or loquat is one such 'new' product the store offers in the spring. "It's the first spring fruit from Spain and Portugal. Our supplier Postuma offered it, and I immediately decided to get it. It looks a bit like an apricot and is very medicinal. Everyone in Spain and Portugal is familiar with it; many have plants in their gardens. After apples and pears, it's a wonderful fruit to kick off the spring season."
"This fruit has zero calories and is high in fiber which cleans and aids proper digestion. It also helps reduce cholesterol and keep diabetes under control. The harvest is in April, and though the Nisperos are only available for about four weeks, they've been selling very well. That's great to see because it shows that even in these times, people seem open to a new product. But that product must have an accompanying story," explains Annemie.
That is how this specialty store wants to stand out from supermarkets and be of added value to its customers. "This fruit has a very accessible, mild flavor, but if you're unfamiliar with them, it's hard to know what to do with them. That's why I share the tale. They're very versatile. You can, for instance, eat them fresh."
"But people on the Iberian Peninsula use them for all sorts of things, from sauces to drinks. The general public doesn't know that, so we tell them. In this case, it turned out to be a great success, and we'll happily get more Nisperos next year again," concludes Annemie.
For more information:
Annemie Van Eepoel
Lizzy's Nieuwe Oogst
151-153 De Merodedreef
2260, Westerlo, Belgium
Tel.: +32 (0) 145 45 344
Email: info@lizzys.be
Website: www.lizzysnieuweoogst.be