"The first months of the year are normally good months in the banana trade" Jan observes. But we will have to wait and see, although we remain positive. "There are also never any shortages. There is always sufficient available on the market. Normally everybody knows the prices also. The profit margin is at a minimum on a product liable to danger and risks." The trader explains that the important brands, such as Bonita, Fyffes and Turbana, are at a par. "In the normal brands nothing much happens, prices remain the same. Only when there are shortages real changes will occur, but I do not see this happen in the short term. Nevertheless I expect the market to improve somewhat next week."
According to Jan the summer of 2011 did quite well actually. "This was caused by the bad weather not causing a big decrease in consumption and there were fewer peaks and valleys. Vanhuyse tells that the quality requirements of the clients are higher all the time. "Originally there were some addresses interested in yellow bananas, but of those there are fewer all the time. Now everybody wants top quality and bananas with the 'wrong' colour are out. This is difficult for the market and profits are low. Nevertheless I notice around me, that traders are satisfied quickly. It appears that they are satisfied with a small profit, whilst one has to work hard for it. The mentality has changed and we should be more creative."
Vanhuyse have their own banana ripening arrangement, where about 6,500 boxes of 18 kgs.are ripened each week. Vanhuyse have a varied circle of clients. "We supply supermarkets, other wholesalers, market vendors, retail and also a part to hotels and restaurants. Our main line is Bonita. Vanhuyse is exclusive supplier of Bonita through group Dewitte, which is aslo distributed via various wholesalers in Belgium. Other brands are: Private labels for supermarkets, Fyffes and Chiquita."
For more information:
Jan Vanhuyse
Vanhuyse Louis NV
325, ksmuidsesteenweg,
8800 Roeselare
tel: +32 51 240 199
fax: +32 51 210 865