"Customers call us the fruit and vegetable jeweller"

Since 1929 the speciality store Grappe de Raisins in Knokke-Heist has focused on supplying the very best fruits and vegetables. The Hannon family has made sure since the very beginning to only offer top quality products. "We have always had the same philosophy," says owner Jan Hannon. "And our customers require it also."

Many customers not from Knokke
Right now it is summertime and it is getting busier in Knokke, but the busiest time is still to come. "Now is the run-up to the busiest time of the year. The end of July and the first half of August is the busiest time for us." A lot of customers do not even live in Knokke. "We have a lot of regular customers and I would estimate that about 75% have some kind of vacation home here. They come one weekend in the winter and multiple weeks in the summer. In the summer there is a high demand for easy products. The nicer the weather, the easier it may be for the people."

Convenience
The store in Knokke is divided into separate departments. "We do not only focus on one department but we give our attention and care to all our products. Each products has it's own table or area for presentation, and that has to look perfect. We walk along with our customers and ring everything up at once." Hannon says that some people call them the fruit and vegetable jeweller. "We have a wide selection and only offer top quality products. We mainly sell fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats and various prepared products. We have a kitchen with 3 full time employees so customers can conveniently order prepared food." Hannon emphasizes that he wants everything to be perfect for his customers. "We only offer the best and we require this from our suppliers as well. The fruit and vegetable wholesale Wim Tanghe has supplied us with years of satisfaction.

Correct
According to Jan, their customers are less concerned with price, service and quality are what's important. This is true for all high quality products. The price still matters of course but the top quality makes it worth the price." Grappe de Raisins does not do discounts. "Here everything is about the product, and the product has value. On top of this we also offer top service and that makes the products worth even more. Our customers have high standards and we put 100% into giving the best service and the best products."

This concept is working for Knokke but he sees that retailers are having a harder and harder time. "We are not working better than ten years ago. You have to put more work in for the same result. It is a fascinating trade, but you have to put everything into it. In general it does not look very good for retailers in the food business. The only way to survive is through specialization, to search for your niche."

Future
For now Hannon sees a future for the Grappe concept. "We do not know what will happen, but it is definitely viable. If we knew for sure that we would be succeeding in the future we would do even more to meet the wishes of the modern consumer. Not in the area of our products, because we are already doing that, but through communicating via new media for example. We are definitely following the modern buying experience but that is not our number one focus."

For more information:
Jan Hannon
Grappe de Raisins bvba
Emile Verhaerenlaan 20-22
8300 Knokke-Heist (België)
T: +32 (0)50 63 17 17
F: +32 (0)50 63 17 18
info@grappederaisins.be
www.grappederaisins.be