The first bell peppers from Jordan are set to arrive at PEQ in the Netherlands today. "We'd hoped to get them before Christmas, but cold weather delayed production a little. We're now, however, getting them in reasonably large volumes," says Johan Vrijland.
With these, the trading company experiences a first. "They differ slightly from the Spanish ones. I wouldn't say we're the very first, but we're certainly among the pioneers in this area. Climate change, global developments, and supply change disruptions showed we need some risk diversification. That's how we ended up in Jordan."
"The Jordan Valley's climate is perfect for growing bell peppers, which is done in both plastic and glass greenhouses. Bell peppers have been grown in Jordan for years, with Dutch know-how in greenhouse construction, breeding, and cultivation being extensively utilized. Many Westland names are reappearing there," Johan explains.
"However, Jordan's sales primarily focus on the Gulf states, so most bell peppers go there. Now, there are quite a few problems in the surrounding countries, and the desert lies to the south. That isolates the country somewhat, while, economically and culturally, it's a very suitable country to trade with. We, thus, want to collectively elevate this export flow to Europe."
PEQ is getting red, orange, and yellow bell peppers. "We expect to serve the Western European market with these," Johan continues. The response to these Jordanian bell peppers' - which are GlobalGAP certified - premier has been good. "The market is keen, and given the cold weather in Spain, it will likely remain so for a while. In fact, these are ideal conditions to start. Customers are clamoring for bell peppers."
Would Johan consider adding other products from Jordan to the range? "We certainly don't rule that out. Bell peppers are grown there in many shapes and sizes, though, and we'll undoubtedly receive samples of those," he concludes.
For more information:
PEQ
Nick Solleveld
Tel.: +31 (0) 174 728 802
Frank Vellekoop
Tel.: +31 (0) 174 728 812
commercie@peq.nl
www.peq.nl