ViVafruit is specialised in mix-trucks

ViVafruit prepares a number of fruit and vegetable mixes for the customer and exports them to various countries. "We mainly concentrate on Eastern Europe," says Anton. "They are difficult, but very interesting markets. Fruit and vegetable worker (AGF'er) indicates that they have years of experience. We have been working on Vivafruit for a little over a year," indicates Anton Rutten. Together with the Russian speaking Olga Gluschenko he is active with ViVafruit. "One of our specialties is making mix trucks with up to 100 different products. The most important products that are exported are tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, aubergines and exotics."

Olga and Anton during the fair WorldFood Moscow 2012

"I was in Moscow 15 years ago and I can see a lot slowly changing in this market. The supermarkets are taking over more of the market and the role of the wholesalers is getting smaller. The prices per region also vary. The trade is different every year. "It largely depends on the harvests in Russia. If they are bad, the trade goes well. On the other hand the production of greenhouse vegetables is increasing."

Challenge

He indicates that the biggest problem with trading with Russia is that there are various bodies for declaring the products. This means it's hard to tell where you stand as a company. The import is often done through Lithuania. I don't think the country will ever be completely transparent." But Anton sees the next few years as a challenge. "With my experience and the contacts I still have to pay good attention. Every year is a lesson. Our goal is to keep on growing with the export, although we see the growth in the greenhouses as a big threat. Supermarket checks are also becoming more strict."

For more information:
Anton Rutten
ViVafruit BV
Klappolder 130
2665 LP Bleiswijk
Tel: +31 (0)105 - 297 534
Fax: +31(0)105 - 297 539
[email protected]
www.vivafruit.nl