Netherlands: Various citrus fruits at Versa Foods
The South African citrus fruit season has also started at Versa Food. Owner Rico Potter expects to market a bit more citrus fruit in Europe this year. "My expectations are that we will have limited volumes available for the free trade, thanks to our loyal customers."
"The total citrus fruit production of the Southern hemisphere is slightly lower, yet they say that there is more fruit available in South Africa. However, less and less is being shipped to Europe in the last few years. The EU is mostly contributing to that trend by over-regulating the fruit market.
We can't make it more fun, but we can make it easier. Imagine that there would be no citrus fruit import from South Africa. It might benefit the building sector in (Southern) Europe because of its storage function for European citrus fruit," sneers Rico. "To quote a number of growers and exporters from the Southern Hemisphere: Europe doesn't have the circumstances required for certain critters to emerge and survive!"
"Our partnership with several producers has been going on for years. EDEN is our most prominent brand. We also trade several private brands, along with citrus fruits from other countries such as Florida and a couple of Mediterranean countries. The power of these brands is that they comply with contemporary demands and that taste, sustainability and shelf life is well under control," Rico continues. "That's why we use Closed Top cartons instead of open tops. This type of box prevents loss of moisture, is firmer and is more presentable in shops. The lid can be taken off in the store and all the fruit is visible, without little corners on top."
Grapefruits
"Our Sweet Marsh Seedless from the Limpopo Mountains are big sellers, just like the Ruby Star. Our packaging is very clear; blue for Lemons and Oranges, yellow for white grapefruit and red for Star Ruby. We expect the Valencia varieties later on. The Juvall is expected in week 26-27, just like last year. The Juvalla, also called Juicy Valencia, peels and eats like a Navel and squeezes like a Valencia orange." Concludes the trader.
Versa Food also delivers fruit to companies since January. Several companies have chosen health as a theme for employees and relations.
For more information:
Versafood
Tel +31-(0)162-461590
GSM +31-(0)6-10443409
E-mail; [email protected]
www.versafood.nl
