NL: ZON increases focus on added value

ZON closed 2011 with positive figures that are expected to be in line with the budget. Despite this positive result, the prices in 2011 can only be qualified as bad. These bad prices have had disastrous consequences for many growers. The EHEC crisis only had a limited influence on ZON's results, but caused a serious drop in turnover for the growers, causing the profitability of many growers to feel the pressure. The developments seen in 2011 are reason enough for ZON to continue its focus on the strategy of added value introduced by the company some years ago.

The total turnover of ZON fruit & vegetables in 2011 was 326 million euro (2010: 334 million euro). In the calculation of the total turnover, ZON - just like in 2010- looked at the turnover of produce as well as turnover generated by other activities, such as packaging and service provision, which includes logistics and quality assurance.

ZON fruit & vegetables started 2012 with 354 members. On 1 January 2011 members numbered 377. The falling number of members can be attributed to the continuing trend of up scaling in horticulture combined with a number of companies that ceased trading .

Fresh Park Venlo
Fresh Park Venlo noted a positive 2011, in which the arrival of Floriade cast its shadow in the form of major infrastructure related developments. For instance, in 2011 preparations were made for the new main entrance (Gate 1), the new ring road and the transfer point for visitors to Floriade 2012. These facilities have almost all been completed. The total area of built-up land at Fresh Park Venlo, part of which was realised by third parties, increased by some 15,000m2. The total surface area rented by Fresh Park Venlo in 2010 saw an increase of 9,000m2. As in previous years, steps were actively taken regarding approaching new markets such as import, meat, fish and dairy.

Preview
In 2012, ZON fruit & vegetables will continue to concentrate on selling larger volumes to the trade and retail channels, whereby an increasing focus will be placed on markets such as the USA and Japan. The primary accent of the focus on the value added strategy will be on marketing and innovation, while additionally, attention will be devoted to systematically improving the logistic performance.
For Fresh Park Venlo the focus of the activities in 2012 will be primarily on further expanding the number of companies involved in 'fresh' related activities at Fresh Park Venlo.

The official annual financial report will be presented by ZON as usual after the Annual General Members Meeting of ZON at the end of April.

www.zon-business.com