More than 50% of Dutch onions go to Africa. That is what the 2021/2022 season's export figures show. "The demand for onions continues to rise worldwide and Africa is no exception," says Pieter Jaarsma. These opportunities for Dutch onions and other food products have not gone unnoticed by him. Pieter co-owns Waterman Onion's sister company JAWA Food. He is just back from Ivory Coast. So, the perfect time to ask Pieter about the African market and JAWA Food.
JAWA Food
Jawa Food was founded in June 2021. It sprang from a combination of Pieter's years of sales experience and know-how and Waterman Onion's quality. Waterman Onions is an onion sorting and packing company. This young company's market share in mainly West Africa has grown significantly. "We can certainly be proud of our customers and suppliers. We've managed to achieve our current competitive position in a short time," Pieter said.
Export challenges
He says the demand for Dutch onions is primarily thanks to their good value-for-money. "Of course, the Netherlands also owes its position to its direct connections with global shipping companies and ports." JAWA also faced the challenge of container volumes last year. Despite that, Pieter says he could supply his clients every week.
"Continuity will be under pressure for longer," adds Jaarsma. "Fortunately, our logistics department can switch quickly, and we can keep supplying our buyers." JAWA Food exports other types of vegetables, fruits, and FMCG goods too. Then they can supply customers as completely as possible.
JAWA's worth
Why do African importers prefer JAWA? "We make every effort to stay in personal contact with our clients," Pieter concludes. Thus his recent return from Africa. There Pieter visited buyers in the Ivory Coast. JAWA Food wants to travel to the African continent regularly.
Source: Waterman Onions