This month, Eporifrutas gained a Dutch purchasing and sales office. The Portuguese company, owned by Dutch brothers Maikel, Bjorn, and Gerardus Brands, has cultivation, import/export, and transport branches. It has appointed Lennart Middelburg as the commercial manager for the new location in Poeldijk.
"I've known the Brands brothers for several years. Eporifrutas' wide range of activities really appeals to me. So when they approached me about starting a purchasing and sales office in the Netherlands, I didn't have to think about it for too long. Along with doing the group's purchases, I'll also serve my own customers," says Lennart.
Eporifrutas' Dutch office is in the Veleka Logistics building (ABC Westland 469, Dock 5-6). It has access to two loading docks, a 500 m2 air-conditioned space, with offices above. "The company already has a branch in Pamplona, Spain. Poeldijk is the second office outside Portugal. They supply the entire fruit and vegetable package to a wide range of customers, from supermarkets to the hospitality industry."
"The company grows mainly melons in Spain and Portugal, is established at wholesale markets, and has stores in Portugal. The Brands brothers have also developed a transport branch with 30 vehicles. We, thus, have all the capabilities to do cross-docking and groupage transport for third parties to and from Benelux, France, Spain, and Portugal," Lennart explains.
"Supplying cruise liners is another activity that has recently expanded significantly. We use our own transport for weekly deliveries. We supply a very diverse fruit and vegetable range, from citrus to mushrooms and passion fruit to bell peppers. Plus, we want to start marketing more of the products grown in Portugal by the group, too, in the Netherlands."
For Lennart, starting this sales office means a return to his hometown. "I think it's great that I'm taking this step and love having my own place again. The communication with the three brothers is very smooth, and the possibilities are great. I consider taking on the complete mix of activities a great challenge and am always open to new suppliers. Nothing is too crazy," he concludes.
For more information:
Eporifrutas
Mob: +31 (0) 651 552 823
Email: Lennart@eporifrutas.pt
www.eporifrutas.pt