Henceforth, REO Veiling will sell its Tomabel strawberries as standard in Rpet punnets. The Belgian cooperative reports that these are made from 100% recycled raw materials and can, in turn, be entirely recycled. These new sustainable strawberry punnets no longer have plastic handles, making this new ecological packaging 100% recyclable.
"From now on, each empty Tomabel strawberry punnett can be completely processed and reused as a raw material for a new punnet. This is a prime example of a sustainable, circular economy that speaks to environmentally conscious customers," begins Philiep Willems, REO Veiling's product manager: strawberries.
The plastic handle had a barcode with useful (product) information. Since the new punnets do not have these handles, that barcode is now on the container's side or bottom. These are thus easier to handle for store personnel wanting to scan the barcode. Tomabel's new strawberry punnets are also more consumer-friendly. For instance, they are no longer black but are deliberately transparent and clear. The Tomabel strawberries are thus on full display to shoppers.
Sunshine in your mouth
It is no coincidence that the punnets are being introduced now. "It, of course, has to do with the strawberry season that's currently in full swing at our cooperative. That's not only the case for Tomabel strawberries but also for Fine Fleur's strawberries, grown in soil; in fact, it's for all Fine Fleur's soft fruits."
"REO Veiling has 89 members who cultivate strawberries. Together, they've already supplied 2,321 tons of strawberries this year. That's almost 63,800 kg more than the first half of 2022. And this despite a delayed start to the season, due to less lit production during the winter and the cold spring weather," says Philiep.
There are currently plenty of Tomabel and Fine Fleur strawberries. "They're especially tasty too. That is because of things like the producers' craftsmanship and the weather. Spring was cold, with alternating sunny days and cold nights. That's still somewhat the case, even now."
"The many hours of daily sunshine give the strawberries a wonderful aroma, and the low nighttime temperatures allow the fruit to keep growing instead of ripening. They can, thus, absorb more hours of sunlight and thus produce more sugar. That results in nice, firm, deliciously full-flavored strawberries," explains Philiep.
As desired
"This good product quality stems from quick harvesting, precise sorting, and specific variety choices. Tomabel has recently focused on planting the most flavorful varieties, of which Sonsation and Aurora Karima, for example, are now being used. In consultation with traders, Tomabel keeps trying to find new varieties to occupy a firm future market position. That shows a strong drive, great flexibility, and true pride and appreciation for their quality label on Tomabel producers' part."
"This close bond between producer and product perhaps typifies Tomabel best. As does optimal service. People can confidently blindly purchase Tomabel, and the buyers appreciate that. Until now, pricing has been reasonably correct and stable in almost all grades and varieties. There's always room for improvement, though. But, so far, the season is going quite satisfactorily. That's just as well; many strawberry growers had a tough winter," Philiep concludes.
For more information:
Philiep Willems
REO Veiling
101 Oostnieuwkerksesteenweg
8800, Roeselare, Belgium
Tel.: +32 (0) 512 31 211
Email: info@reo.be
www.reo.be