Difference between vegetables and potted plants
"There is still a big difference between delivering vegetables and potted plants. You often deliver the same products with vegetables and the supply is more structured. When is comes to potted plants, it is more customized to the needs of the client. In addition, everything in Belgium goes through the growers and not through auctions, as is the case in the Netherlands. It is very laborious to maintain contacts with numerous growers." He indicates that most Belgian exporters working with Russia put the emphasis on fruit. "We specialise in vegetables, first and foremost. For example, we ship a lot of lettuce varieties and tomatoes over there. Russia is also growing as a consumer of celery and leek, although the market remains small compared to other countries. Growth isn't spectacular, but there is certainly an upward trend."
Brands and quality is important in Russia
Export did not necessarily become easier after Russia joined the WTO, according to Jeroen. "Everyone hopes it will get better, but phytosanitary is still problematic at the border. They have become stricter in many cases and requirements are continuously adjusted." The trader explains that they have been active in Russia for 20 years and as a country, it has become very brand orientated. "Quality is also becoming more important, the products have to look good. If you have a few shipments of poor quality products, you will be written off as a supplier and it will cost you a lot in quality claims." The house brand that Calsa supplies is called Ar'delice. "Alongside that, there is also a large portion of Flandria-vegetables. We diversify when it comes to quality and freshness along with our own brand and that is how you get noticed amongst the masses. It's not about large quantities when it comes to Ar'delice and this is intentional."
In addition to Russia; France, Germany, Spain and Poland are important buyers for Calsa. "We are trying to get multiple countries involved with the plant combination and have seen that it works. We are also always looking for new markets in order to spread out the risk."
For more information:
Jeroen Buyck
Calsa NV
Roeselaarsestraat 9b
8850 Ardooie
Tel: +32 51 74 73 74
Fax: +32 51 74 69 36
www.calsa.be
