Which developments are the in the trade with the Far East? We ask René Tiggelman, sales manager at Javala, the trading company from the Netherlands. The most obvious change in the trade itself compared with about ten years ago, is that it is no longer done through local agents, but directly through wholesalers and importers. "There are two reasons" René Tiggelman explains. "The first is that the internet has quickened and improved the manner of communication. The other side of the world has come quite a bit closer as a result."
The second reason - and perhaps the most important - is the increased and still increasing competition. "Suppliers were forced to work as efficiently as possible and therefore wherever possible to save expenses." That competition comes, and nobody will be surprised, especially from China, which is strongly developing in the agrarian area. For instance in the past Thailand was directly supplied from the Netherlands, in the meantime the country is totally supplied by the Chinese. Also in countries such as Malaysia and the Philippines, China plays an important role.
Increasing competition offers perspectives
Nevertheless Tiggelman does not see the increasing competition from China as a threat for the Dutch trade in the Far East. "The Chinese population increases and also the prosperity in the country. As a result China needs a large share of the production for own use. This goes at the cost of export and offers perspectives for our products." The result for the Dutch sector is, that we remain successful in delivering a quality product at a sharp price. There, as per Tiggelman, is our biggest challenge as well. "Our relationship with the buyers was sometimes of decisive importance. No longer so. The Dutch onion is a matter of price. This is the most important criterion."
Tiggelman is happy with the closeness of the ports. "That decreases the cost price and gives us the advantage over onions from surrounding countries. If we as a sector are careful about the quality then I am sure, that we will keep our place in the international trade."
Javala comes from Jaap van Langevelde, the owner of the company. which in the forties was established in Yerseke, then mainly busy with packing and trading onions. In the meantime the company stands on two pillars: packing of onions in 1 and 2 kg netts for the Dutch market and the international import and export of onions, cabbage, garlic and potatoes. In 2010 Javala finished a renovation of the building in Kruiningen: new loading docks (4 in total) and a new office.
Source: Uienmagazine, De Groot & Slot