“We actually never say ‘no’”

Some years ago, four growers decided to work together, and founded Tomeco. “In short, Tomeco is a cooperative within a cooperative,” says Tom Lefevre from Hortipower in Merksplas. With two other colleagues, John Vermeiren and Dirk van den Plas, Hortipower was founded, and the company started with nine hectares. This has, by now, expanded to 14.5 hectares. “We started with vine tomatoes, but the biggest product now is plum tomatoes, which are grown on about 25 per cent of the area. Additionally, we also supply other specials, especially the larger tomatoes, such as San Marzano, Coeur du Boeuf, Intense and Kubello.”

Four companies fall under Tomeco: Hortipower, VW Tuinderijen, VW Maxburg and Tomato Masters. Combined, they have a total area of about 50 hectares, 20 of which are illuminated. Shortly after merging, Tomeco Services, the packing company, was also founded. All of the tomatoes are packed in one place. “We’re also starting to pack from other producers and companies more often. These aren’t just tomatoes. By now, the current packing warehouse is too small, and people will soon invest in a larger and modernised packing hall. It is estimated that construction will be started late in 2017.” He expects more will be packed in the long term. “The retail requirements are becoming stricter, in the field of hygiene as well. Packing is the ideal solution for tomatoes. That’s why we want to be a specialist in this.”

Tom indicates that Tomeco is mostly distinctive because of the flexibility they offer in several fields, including packing. “There is an extreme number of tomatoes, so it’s difficult to differentiate. For us, it’s not necessarily about the name or the most exclusive tomato. We don’t just strive to only supply the best tomato, because there could be a new and better variety tomorrow grown by someone else, but the total package takes precedence. We want to supply tasty tomatoes of good quality, and we want to flexibly respond to demand from retailers. We actually never say ‘no.’”

According to Tom, they’re purely involved with production and packing with Tomeco, and not marketing or sales. “That’s up to the auction. Producers are specialised in cultivation, they are better at marketing. It’s as easy as that. We work closely with Hoogstraten, and our goal is to make the cooperative stronger. Almost 100 per cent of our tomatoes are mediated. That’s how we can supply to various supermarkets year-round. The products are marketed, both domestically and internationally, under the Hoogstraten label. Demand from retailers is increasing, and that demand can only be met as a group. Supermarkets would rather turn towards large parties, because supply is then guaranteed.”

The last illuminated season 2017 went well, according to Tom. “Spain was inferior, qualitatively, or didn’t have as much supply, and multiple buyers preferred domestic product. The previous year, early 2016, was more difficult. Spain had more available then. The summer was better and the autumn was average to good.” He emphasises they don’t produce much: “we grow what the customer asks for. The majority of our production is sold in advance. This means that price agreements are made for our product, and the prices we receive are fairly stable as well. We’re less dependent on the fluctuating market situation.” He thinks mediation is more positive in the long term. “Of course, high day prices regularly occur, but looking at multiple years, extremely low prices also regularly occur, we prefer stability, supplying at acceptable prices year-round.”

Other producers can also join Tomeco. “We think it’s important they agree with our objectives and that we click. We are open to cooperations, which is why we expect multiple growers will fall under Tomeco in the long run. We believe in cooperatives. It’s important to stay sharp every day.” Tom feels both positive and sceptical about the possible merger of Hoogstraten and BelOrta. “This could naturally be incredibly positive, with a huge shift towards retail. But for that, everyone within both parties would have to feel the same way, or there won’t be a future for it. Only then can both parties go for it. That can’t be taken care of in one day, so we’ll have to wait and see how it develops. If we as Tomeco can practice our passion within a larger party, we’ll be happy.”