Gert-Jan Slobbe, Stephane Rion and Marco Slobbe
"From our customers we, received more often the question to increase the existing offer. We already had approached Spanish and Dutch tomato growers during the last few years in order to supply our European retail and food service clients of tomatoes all year round and floating the new company is the next step," Gert-Jan Slobbe says. "I have known Stephane already from the time of Van Dijk and when I understood that he was looking for a new challenge, we already realized that it would be beneficial if we could combine our strengths."
Follow-up steps
Fortuna Frutos International will in be primarily involved in the import of vegetables from the Mediterranean areas. "But I also know my way around the import of fruit and overseas trading, these will therefore be logical follow-up steps," Stephane continues. "We will start with a small number of selected suppliers and focus on quality and continuity. Fortuna Frutos International is just like Fortuna Frutos Continental - the extension of the grower/producer."
"Our co-shareholders were enthusiastic immediately when we discussed the plans with them," Marco Slobbe agrees. "They are realistic. In five years' time Canary tomatoes will come to Europe, but it is not sure whether this will also be the case ten years from now. Because of this extension and spreading of the activities the continuity of Fortuna Frutos is guaranteed. We are now known by our business relations because of the Canary tomatoes, but we hope with this extension to be associated with aubergines, courgettes and peppers within a few months as well."
Future perspective
Stephane is optimistic about the future of the new company. "I believe that there is space for new players in the market as long as they are on top with their product and service delivery. I am in possession of an extensive network of clients and suppliers and combined with the place in the market acquired by Fortuna Frutos Continental this offers a nice perspective to the future."
For more information:
Stephane Rion
Fortuna Frutos
17, Oslo
2993 LD Barendrecht
Tel: 0180-751400
Fax: 0180-751444
[email protected]
www.fortuna-frutos.com
