ZON closes 2011 with a positive result

ZON closes 2011 with a positive result, line size with budget rise. Despite this positive result the price forming in 2011 can be called bad. For many growers this bad prize forming has big consequences. The EHEC crisis had a limited influence on ZON's result, but caused large setbacks in many grower's sales. The efficiency of many growers has become pressured due to this. The developments in 2011 are a reason for ZON to keep working on the added value strategy that the company started a number of years ago.

The total turnover of ZON fruit & vegetables was 326 million Euro in 2011 (2010: 334 million Euro). The calculation for this total turnover also includes the turnover of packaging and services, amongst which logistics and quality care. ZON fruit & vegetables starts the year 2012 with 354 members. On the first of January 2011 the number of members was 377. The decline of the members has to do with the advancing scale enlarging of horticulture companies in company with a few business closures.

For Fresh Park Venlo 2011 was a positive year, in which the arrival of the Floriade led to important infrastructural developments. In 2011 the preparations for the new main entrance (Gate 1), the new round road, and the transferium (?) for the visitors of the Floriade 2012. These facilities has now almost been realised. The total - partially third party - built area of Fresh Park Venlo increased by over 15,000 m2. The area rented by Fresh Park Venlo increased by over 9,000 m2. Like in previous years approaching new markets such as import, meat, fish, and dairy was worked on.

The investments - under reduction by GMO subsidies - of growers union ZON were € 8.7 million (2010: € 5.2 million). Part of this is the investments done by Growers union ZON in the context of GMO subsidies. These netto investments are € 2.5 million.

The consolidated result after corporation taxes of Growers union ZON over 2011 is € 1.7 million. The balance total has decreased compared to 2010 (€ 99 million) to € 96 million.

In 2012 ZON fruit & vegetables will continue to increase the sales to trading companies and retail companies, during which, more than before, markets such as America and Japan are reviewed. In the focus on the added value strategy the accent is mainly on marketing and innovation, but there is also systematic work on improving performance in the area of logistics. For Fresh Park Venlo the activities in 2012 will remain mainly focussed on further extension of the number of fresh companies on Fresh Park Venlo.

ZON expects another positive result for 2012 from normal business. The generally uncertain current economic and financial situation can influence the result development.