When the thermometer climbs above 30 degrees, trade tends to slow down considerably. Is that also the case this week? "We have noticed that sales have dropped over the past two days," confirms commercial director Jarno Kwakkel of Postuma AGF. "The temperatures are so high that people are adjusting their routines. There is also much less product display outside, and we even have a few customers who have temporarily closed. So overall, sales are slightly down across the board. In hot weather, however, watermelons always remain a very popular product, and that's no different now."
"The differences in the fruit and vegetable trade are significant. Red fruit usually sells well in good weather, but when it gets too hot, it's never ideal for either cultivation or sales," says general director Gerard van den Anker of Veiling Zaltbommel. "Strawberries are selling well, but other soft fruit is proving more challenging at the moment. Their quality is excellent thanks to the good weather so far, with many more hours of sunlight compared to last year, which benefits both quality and production. For vegetables, we're seeing disappointing prices across several products, with plenty of room for improvement."
Another fresh produce trader also reports subdued sales during these hot days. "Sales to both wholesale and retail dropped significantly yesterday and today. This applies to all of our products."
Gerard van den Anker (Veiling Zaltbommel) and Jarno Kwakkel (Postuma AGF)
When asked whether the companies have a heat plan in place or are taking measures to keep work manageable for staff, Jarno replied: "The vast majority of our employees work in air-conditioned environments, both in the office and in the warehouse and processing kitchen. All of our trucks are also equipped with air conditioning, though of course, the drivers feel the shift from hot to cold the most. Fortunately, most of that work is done during the coolest parts of the day." Gerard's advice: "Drink plenty and stay hydrated! At Zaltbommel, we know how to keep both our heads and the diversity of products cool!"
For more information:
Postuma AGF
Manenbergring 2
8271 RX IJsselmuiden
Tel: +31 (0)38 3370099
[email protected]
www.postuma.nl
For more information:
Veiling Zaltbommel
Stationsweg 28
5301 KH Zaltbommel
Tel: (+31) 06 51012063
[email protected]
www.veilingzaltbommel.nl
