Bakker AGF's Jan Bakker has been active in the vegetable trade for over 60 years and has experienced numerous ups and downs. He is, however, optimistic about the coming season's prospects. "It's always a matter of doing your best and trying to make a profit, which should certainly be possible this year. Last year was hectic, and this year's outlook for many products looks good," says Jan.
Jan and Rick Bakker
Open-field products still form the bulk of this Dutch wholesaler's business, which mainly serves wholesale markets in the Netherlands and Germany. "We sell a lot to the German wholesale markets and surrounding businesses. We have our own fleet of eight vehicles, so we can quickly reach any location with our goods."
"Potatoes and onions are currently in high demand. There's a shortage in Western Europe. Prices are, thus, good, which leads to the possibility of making a little money. After all, it's not about how much you sell, but how much you ultimately net," Jan explains.
"Red onions are also a strong performer this year. Significantly less area was planted with these this year, which has resulted in good prices. The Germans can presently still largely manage with their own yellow onion crops, but they've not harvested as much either, so demand will undoubtedly keep rising."
"Red beets and winter carrots show the same trend; their prices are also good. That's often not the case with a full harvest, but this season, demand remains strong. White and red cabbage sales are good, too. We're located amid the growers, which is definitely an advantage," Jan continues.
"Apple sales are also going well. There's much more movement than last year when there was plenty of competition from Polish apples. That seems far less this year." That competition does not concern the wholesaler. "Beautiful Doyenne and Conference pears grow only along the North Sea," Jan concludes.
For more information:
Bakker AGF
7 De Tocht
1611 HT, Bovenkarspel, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 228 515 739
[email protected]
