Many people are familiar with Flevofruit, thanks to their well-known juices, Flevosap. Flevofruit and Flevosap are part of the Vermeulen Food Group. This Dutch group will no longer be cultivating their own fruit. They are going to exclusively focus on making juices. This means Flevofruit's extensive sorting lines are no longer needed. These, as well as the accompanying packaging machines, are being auctioned off by Troostwijk Auctioneers. The auction started on 22 May. Online bids can be placed until 7 June. Viewings, per appointment, can be arranged for after 6 June.
The Vermeulen Food Group is a family business. They are active in the trading of fruit, fruit juices, and related products. These include fruit jams, syrups, and sauces. Their fruit and fruit juices are marketed internationally. In order to achieve this, they have more than 25 employees. The group also has their own logistics department as well as storage facilities.
"My parents started out as fruit growers in 1970", says Wyno Vermeulen, co-owner of the Vermeulen Food Group. "They grew the company for 30 years. Then, in 2000, the baton was passed to my brother, Roel, and me. We have been working here for more than 25 years." Over the years, Flevofruit has built up a substantial network of fellow growers. "They ensure that we have a never-ending supply of fruit for our juices. These fruits also need to be the big enough to use. So, we do not actually need to grow fruit ourselves. With Flevosap, we are going to concentrate fully on producing juices. This is why we acquired a new bottling line last year. We need to be able to meet the growing demand for juices."
The sorting line on offer was taken into use in 2013. It is from the well-known French brand, MAF Roda. This manufacturer specialises in fruit and vegetable cultivation machinery. Back then, Flevofruit got the first of these machines. Vermeulen says, "The MAF Roda sorting machine is like an endless piano. Depending on the length of the fruit, the piano tilts a number of keys. The fruit then gently falls into a rotating brush. The external quality sorting can be precisely set for the various classes. Fruits with hail damage and abrasions are separated out. Internal quality control happens by means of LED infrared cameras. These are found in each of the machine's four lines." This four-liner's capacity is comparable to a traditional, six-line cup machine. The sorting line has ten transportation belts with integrated scales (two per belt). It also has five central disposing conveyor belts.
Andrej Pieterson, an auctioneer at Troostwijk Auction house, says, "This auction is characterised by the special offer of packaging machines, packaging materials, and the sorting line mentioned. It is not often that the latter comes onto the market. The new season is just around the corner. This auction offers the ideal opportunity to upgrade your business with excellent equipment that more than deserves a second chance."
The online auction began on 22 May. It closes on 7 June 2018. From 6 June, viewing of the items on auction can be arranged, per appointment. For an appointment, you can make contact by sending an e-mail to info@troostwijkauctions.com Location: 22 Professor Zuurlaan, 8256 PE, Biddinghuizen, NL