Matt Hancock, Norton Folgate explains that they have been supplying the UK market with fruit for years and work on the principle of offering retailers small volumes of fruit such as cherries and stone fruit as well as kiwis and grapes in small packs. The company can pack to the customer's demand, Matt says by using this approach is it easier to introduce fruit out of season on to the supermarket shelves.
This business model is being put into action on mainland Europe through a joint venture with Fruto del Campo, operating from Maasdijk in the Netherlands together with logistics partner LBP. Alexis Cordero, director at Fruto del Campo, explains, "The fruit will be packed and stored here in Maadijk, before being distributed around northern Europe".
Fruto del Campo has invested in a sorting and packing line in Maasdijk to ensure top quality cherries can be supplied year round.
"Just as in the UK, the Dutch side will supply custom packing in small volumes with a clear price". Fruto del Campo has already started supplying cherries using this model to Dutch supermarket Albert Heijn.
Alexis goes on to say this method will help clients to achieve better sales with year round supply.
Matt explains that the European market is not that different to the UK market it is just a question of getting the marketing right.
"It takes the risk out of it for the retailers. In the past when they had to buy whole pallets of fruit they were often left with a lot of waste if it didn't sell and were reluctant to stock out of season fruit. Now by starting with small volumes and good marketing the retailer can built demand for these products."
For more information:
Alexis Cordero
Fruto del Campo B.V.
Maasdijk
The Netherlands
Tel: 0031 653-241 807
Email: [email protected]