Continuous supply
Although many exotics are available almost year-round, the holidays are still an important source of revenue. The management of Rhinelink GmbH can look back on a successful Easter campaign, says sales manager Jaswinder Bhamra. "In addition to the normal Thomson Seedless grapes from India, the demand for pomegranates of the same origin was remarkably high. Our assortment has two special varieties: the Ganesh and the very popular Bhagwa. This deep red and very juicy fruit is produced almost exclusively in India and is available between December and April. And this is just the period in which the most well-known variety -Wonderful- is on the market only in limited quantities.
Outside India, Rhinelink GmbH plays an important role on African soil and is closely associated with producers from, among others, South Africa, Thailand and Kenya. Especially in the south of Africa, the company has excellent trade contacts. Bhamra: “A variety of yellow and red cherries are grown here. Once they are shipped to Europe, they are sold directly, in bulk. The same goes for mini veg foods -including yellow and green patty pans, baby carrots, zucchini and colorful cauliflower- which are particularly popular during the festive season."
Bhamra: "We are not yet able to meet the demand at all times, although we already import from different climactic areas. That's why we want to expand to Tanzania, so that we can continuously cover the supply of goods.”
Challenges
The exotic market, however, remains challenging as both consumer behavior and retail requirements are contrary, to a certain extent. On the one hand people want to enjoy a steady supply of high-quality exotics throughout the year. On the other hand, the consumer is also increasingly concerned with the environment and prefers products that are transported by ship, so that the environmental impact remains relatively low. Bhamra: "However, with certain exotics it is virtually impossible to ship the products to Europe whilst retaining quality, so we have to fly them in. As a result, as an importer, you can be somewhat conflicted."
Chives from Rhinelink are mainly grown in Kenya
In addition, the requirements for transparency in the form of certifications -including Global Gap and Fair Trade- must be mentioned on the exotic market. Organic products are also a growing market, says Bhamra. "We have a range of products that we can deliver in both conventional and organic quality, including the Indian Mangoes, Kisser and Alfonso, which are expected to arrive late next week and can normally be sold until June."
In addition, the requirements for transparency in the form of certifications -including Global Gap and Fair Trade- must be mentioned on the exotic market. Organic products are also a growing market, says Bhamra. "We have a range of products that we can deliver in both conventional and organic quality, including the Indian Mangoes, Kisser and Alfonso, which are expected to arrive late next week and can normally be sold until June."
Main market Germany
Rhinelink GmbH is a complete service company, headquartered in Hamburg. The company sells a variety of exotic products, both on the German market as well as in the Benelux and Scandinavia. Among other things, the GmbH deals with consulting, logistics and the value adding chain regarding exotics. Today, the ISA-Fresh quality brand is one of the company's most important product lines and corresponds to the company's motto 'Quality produce linked with fresh excellence'.
For more information:
RhineLink GmbH
Jaswinder Bhamra
Sperbertwiete 12a
D-22175, Hamburg
Tel: +49 (0)40 38 90 29 22
Fax: +49 (0)40 38 90 29 24
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.rhinelink.com
