Bjorn Franco, Rutoma:
"As a fruit and vegetable trader one has to be a little crazy"
Bjorn in the store, April 2013
Wholesaler and exporter
Rutoma is a wholesaler and partly exporter. "My father started trading, at that time when prices for tomatoes were very low. He then exported to Poland, Russia, France and Germany. In the meantime this is a lot less and we only still supply the North of France. There are a few large customers in Lomme. In Poland we had a lot of trouble with defaulters and we stopped that. Germany went well for a long time. We supplied a lot of lettuce to the supermarket chain Edeka in cooperation with Plecker-Lauwers. A few years ago this retailer started buying direct from the auction houses. Unfortunately this client has left us. We have had days with more than 10,000 crates of lettuce. Also large French retailers buy direct from the auction houses these days."
To continue
"We certainly notice that things are becoming more difficult" the trader mentions. "To look for new customers for export is still not easy and the competition between the supermarkets is more intense all the time. Nevertheless I plan to continue the business. Actually we do not supply supermarkets. For export to wholesalers and locally to retail trade and market vendors. Small shop owners disappeared more and more during the last few years. Nevertheless I think that there will also remain interest for this kind of traditional shops. Part of the consumers will remain loyal to his or her greengrocer. Of course the intention is that they continue to specialize and offer top products."
Quality, fresh, tasty
"We also need to be part of that," he continues. Previously one could supply tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce, but now one has to have everything available. With these products only one does not stand a chance. We supply shops almost completely - except for some exotics and cut vegetables. For about three years now we peel and cut onions as well. Both Dutch and Spanish and red onions are freshly cut and freshly delivered. For clients it is an advantage being able to visit the market in Evergem. There they find all they want. There is certainly competition and that is also good. We have to remain sharp. I am actually positive about the future despite all the problems. There are certainly moments of quiet, but we remain focused on the best quality. With export one can make a difference in price, but locally the price is a second consideration. The products have to be of top quality as well as fresh and tasty. A lot of work is involved, but that is characteristic of the sector. Our efforts are still being rewarded. "Every now and than one has to be a little crazy and assist a client, who needs something urgently out of office hours."
For more information:
Bjorn Franco
Distributiecentrum Evergem
Rutoma Gent
Magazijn 8-11
7, Brugsesteenweg
9940 Evergem
T: +32 - 09245 7767
F: +32 - 09245 7767
C: +21 - 0475 803825
