Until ten years ago, Rick van der Fluit fitted LED lighting for Dutch fruit and vegetable companies. Love took him to Brazil, where he came into contact with the local ginger sector. Now, Giant Gingers exports ginger from Brazil all over the world. "When I got here ten years ago, I was surprised by the area's cultivation possibilities. There are many coffee farms in our inland highlands. Espírito Santo state is in the south-east of Brazil. There, in the valleys between the steep slopes, other cultivation areas arose, including ginger farming," says Rick, enthusiastically.
"We made contact with the local growers. We now have the exclusive sales rights for ginger from one of them. We also have ample back-up from other farmers in the area. Ginger cultivation here is, however, really run by the entire community." The product's characteristics led to the name, Giant Gingers. "We supply a variety that's as large as a baseball mitt. That means there's considerably less waste. The user also gets the highest return from his product. The thin peel and taste make this a unique ginger on the market too."
Rick (left) and Tadeu.
Rick and his partner, Tadeu, run Giant Gingers. Tadeu busies himself with the company's operational side - quality and logistics. Rick takes care of commercial, administrative, and financial affairs. "We already have several lines to the United States. Thanks to my background, we now want to conquer the European market too," adds Rick.
"Between us, we speak English, German, Portuguese, and Dutch. Brazilian's ginger's advantage is that the season's opposite to that of Chinese ginger. We can supply it from May to September. The Real's devaluation means we can also compete well, price-wise, on the international market.
"Clients want to be taken care of. That's why we do export documentation and domestic taxes. We use the most efficient transport to their port of choice too. For the shipping, we give the clients a personal WhatsApp live stream. They can then remain informed of the shipment's status. We can also print the client's logo on the packaging, at no extra charge." He's optimistic about the exports. "Ginger's part of the health trend. That's boosted sales significantly in recent years. With this special Brazilian ginger, we have a distinctive product inhouse," concludes Rick.
For more information:
Rick van der Fluit
Giant Gingers
594 St Carlos Martins
Jardim Camburi, Vitória
Espírito Santo, Brazil
Zip code: 29090-060
Tel: +55 279 923 277 74
Email: sales@giantgingers.com
Website: www.giantgingers.com