A to Z
He indicates that they are mainly growing among existing customers. 'We have also gained customers from a wholesaler who was taken over near here in the last year. We have been active in nuts with the company Allnuts for two years now. We supply everything from A to Z: potatoes, vegetables, fruit, exotics, nuts and also the fourth range." Rodiers audience is wide. They supply independent supermarkets, market stall holders and fruit and vegetable speciality stores. "We are also seeing a good growth in farm sales. Growers often have some of their own products and get the rest from us."
Own brand Senorita
Rodiers gets its products from different suppliers, both in Belgium and the Netherlands. "We also get some of the local fruit straight from the grower. We look for the best product. We have a long relationship with lots of the growers. Examples are Ringoot and Guido Fruit from Brussels. Rodiers also has its own brand: Senorita for the Spanish citrus. "It's a good patented brand and we define ourselves with it. Of course you have to offer something special as well."
Hard work
Although business is good for Rodiers, Domien indicates that it isn't getting any easier for the wholesale. "The competition isn't extreme around here, but it's still hard work. I think it's even more difficult if you're located on the early market." There are also additional costs for transport next year. "We have our own trucks and the kilometre tax will costs us 16 cents per kilometre more. You have to calculate these types of things in."
Opportunities
Domien sees good opportunities for both fruit and vegetables and nuts. "We are very happy with the set and loyal customer base that have been buying from us for years. We expanded six years ago and now the circumference of our company is 3,800 square metres of which 2,700 is cooled. We could also build another 2,000 square metres. If we continue to grow there are opportunities for us to expand."
For more information:
Domien Rodiers
Rodiers en Zonen
Industrieweg 1038
3540 Herk-de-Stad - Belgium
+32 13 55 11 52
www.rodiers.be
www.allnuts.be
