Primeur Special Edition 2021

Independent magazine for the fruit and vegetable trade • Since 1986

Special Edition - 2021

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Special Edition 2021 Carlos Echeveste, commercial director of Frutaria

4 “Good quality stone fruit will always have a good commercial outlet” Philippe Binard, Freshfel:

8 “The opportunities are on adapting to a new demand”

Jaime Mendizabal, Commercial Director of Maf Roda:

14 “Investment in automation is the key for Spain to cope with increasing competition from third countries” Philippe Appeltans, BelOrta, Belgium:

24 “We can use our market power to brainstorm new trends”

Carlos Nemesio, Head of Persimmon and Kaki Sales at Anecoop:

34 “In the end, only persimmon specialists will remain”

Fernando P. Gómez, general director of Proexport:

66 “We should not speak of km zero, but of European km”

Damien Castagnier; Head of sourcing, purchasing and supply at Monoprix

76 Monoprix Tous Cultiv'acteurs: a joint approach with partner producers to improve agricultural practices Serge Le Bonniec, CEO & Aurélien Pierre, organic fruit and vegetable sales buyer:

81 "Our next challenge is to find partners to optimise our logistics fleet"

Antonio Ruiz, commercial director of Murgiverde:

98 “It is necessary for the vegetable production to be adapted to the demand and to create strategic alliances with retailers” Colofón AGF-PRIMEUR bv Stevinweg 2, 4691 SM Tholen The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)166-698200 info@agfprimeur.nl - www.agfprimeur.nl Freshplaza bv Stevinweg 2, 4691 SM Tholen The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)166-698200 info@freshplaza.com - www.freshplaza.com

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

Publisher: Pieter Boekhout

Design & production: Viola van den Hoven, Martijn van Nijnatten

Editorial: Joel Pitarch, Izak Heijboer, Aurélie Pintat, Nick Peters, Marieke Hemmes, Jonny Diep, Nicky McGregor, Carolize Jansen, Rossella Gigli, Valeria Ten, Ning Fan,

Complete or partial reproduction of the contents without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The editor is not liable for any inaccuracies.

Advertising: Andries Gunter

Lieven Vanlommel, Foodmaker’s vision:

110 “We're using nudging to link everything”

Emilio Fuertes, Commercial Director of Planasa for Iberia and Morocco:

118 “We must work on the sector’s image globally and show that Spanish strawberries deserve the recognition we are asking for” Gerrit Oomen, Quik’s Verse Aardappelen, the Netherlands:

123 “Extensive choice makes every potato a specialty”

Quico Peiró, of Grupo Cañamás:

132 “Egypt is becoming more relevant while the citrus sector deals with new post-Covid normality” Philippe Peiró, Port International:

135 Many years of expertise importing Spanish citrus fruits

Thomas Derstadt, Expert Sourcing + Markets Fresh Produce at the Import Promotion Desk:

138 “We want to guarantee great products for specialized importers” Juan Antonio Reyes Gutiérrez, manager of Reyes Gutiérrez:

140 “Avocados and mangoes have gone from being luxury exotics to becoming commodities in retail outlets”

20 Dutch, Belgian supermarkets face competition from express deliveries

90 Organic, increasing exports from Italy to Europe

39 While Chile is still battling the current citrus season, it hopes for a better one next year

94 Apple production forecasts for the 2021/2022 season

43 Is the supply of South African fruit to Europe in danger?

102 South American fruit faces obstacles and opportunities in the Chinese market

46 Better weather conditions lead to larger harvest of Polish apples

107 Grapes represent a dynamic sector in Italy, but attention must be paid to costs to remain competitive

62 Dutch farmers and business organizations optimistic about future fruit and vegetable production in that country 84 The challenge of apricot breeding: good, resilient, and resistant varieties

127 “The Spanish greenhouse industry is reinventing itself” 130 Current trends seen in the vertical farming space

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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Stonefruit

Carlos Echeveste, commercial director of Frutaria

“Good quality stone fruit will always have a good commercial outlet” The 2021 stone fruit campaign has been marked by the impact of frosts on the production. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) confirm that the total production (including cherries) stood at 1.68 million tons, 14.3% below the 1.96 million tons of 2020, which was already a year with a significant drop in the production due to hail. Apricot volumes have fallen by 15% compared to last year and by more than 30% compared to the actual production potential. In the peach, nectarine and flat peach group, the volume has dropped by around 6.1%, which puts it 20% below the average of the last 5 years. Despite this decline, prices although reasonable - have not soared, as some had expected.

"The production shortages have not been noticeable in the first months of the campaign, during the Andalusian and Murcian seasons. In those regions, production volumes have been similar to those of the 2020 campaign. From mid-July, when most of the production were coming from Lleida and Aragon in Spain and from Italy and France, it started to become noticeable," says Carlos Echeveste. "It has been a season with acceptable prices, not as high as in 2020, although both seasons have been peculiar due to the impact of the weather and the pandemic, which has taken a big toll on the morale and the pockets of consumers", he says.

In recent years, Spain has become Europe’s leading stone fruit producer and the undisputed leader in the global export of this fruit family. At the same time, the sector has been dealing with profitability issues; a problem that has been disguised in the last two seasons by the limitation of the supply due to adverse weather conditions in the form of frost and hail. Some stone fruit species, such as plums, deserve a review of their production structure at both a varietal and marketing level, although in general, and according to Carlos Echeveste, Commercial Director of Frutaria, "good quality stone fruit will always have a good commercial outlet."

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"THE CASE OF PLUMS CALLS FOR REFLECTION" Considering all the structural problems that the stone fruit sector may suffer, given the wide range of available varieties, many of which do not meet the expectations of consumers, producers and distributors, for the Commercial Director of Frutaria, "the most worrying case is that of plums."

"From the 2017 to the 2019 campaign, plum growers suffered serious profitability issues due to low prices at a general level, something that was blamed on overproduction. In fact, this led to more than 2,000 hectares being uprooted by the end of the 2019 campaign. In the 2020 campaign, despite the production dropping

significantly, the closure of the Brazilian market, which was importing some 20,000 tons per campaign, caused problems in the marketing, as the demand was unable to absorb the supply at decent prices."

"In the 2021 campaign there has also been a lower than expected supply of plums in Spain, and a much lower one in Italy, France and other Central European countries, although unlike last year, the Brazilian market has been recovered. Nonetheless, until July 31, sales have remained pretty much stagnant for the earliest varieties, such as the Black Splendor. Perhaps the fact that the harvest started earlier than usual, at a time when the demand isn’t good, has had a negative impact. In recent years, obsolete plantations have been uprooted, but it seems that there is still a surplus of plums in the first stage of

the campaign. The case of plums calls for reflection," says Carlos Echeveste.

to change in the plum sector in the coming seasons," he says.

"The first plum harvests overlapped with "GOOD QUALITY STONE FRUIT WILL a record production from the southern ALWAYS HAVE A GOOD COMMERCIAL hemisphere, with quite good varieties OUTLET" from South Africa, so importers preferred Regarding the remaining products, Carlos to use up these plums with such a good Echeveste says that there will always be a shelf life first. Now few plums are being good demand for high quality flat peaches, planted in Spain and the sector is man- nectarines, cherries and white-fleshed flat aging the production that grew so much nectarines. in the last decade in the best possible way, motivated by the boom in shipments "The cherry season has been quite good, to Brazil. It is also fair to point out that taking into account the rains in May, which Brazil has been one of the countries that took somewhat of a toll on the product. In has suffered the most from the effects general, however, the demand and quality of COVID-19, both in terms of number of have continued to be good. Yields have cases and deaths, as well as economical- been high and customers are still willing ly. It is not an easy market and there are to pay good prices, because the varieties few Spanish companies with sufficient work. Apricots have been the most lacking experience to work in it. Something has this season. In fact, supermarket chains,

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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Stonefruit

knowing that there was so little supply, have not focused too much on this category." It is worth recalling that, at European level, while apricot volumes have usually ranged between 450,000 and 600,000 tons in recent years, this year they have not reached 340,000 tons. Such a low figure hadn’t been recorded since 1998, according to Europech.

"Flat fruit is still booming. In fact, flat peaches are cannibalizing peaches in the market. It is an easy-to-eat fruit that does

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

not usually disappoint in terms of taste, making it an ideal healthy snack. Also, it is easy to handle at the warehouse and, in general, provides good yields to the grower. Now we have high hopes for the new flat nectarine varieties that are coming and that we are already marketing," said Carlos Echeveste.

"Good quality stone fruit will always have a good commercial outlet. What we cannot expect is a 20 year old peach variety to be as in demand as a new variety that

meets the needs of the entire value chain.

Fifteen years ago we did not have yellow kiwis on the shelves or cherries with good flavor at the beginning of May. I refuse to have a pessimistic and immobile picture of the stone fruit sector, because with outdated varieties there will continue to be problems. Growers and exporters need a good varietal portfolio and we must pay much more attention to the way we handle and present the product," says Frutaria's Commercial Director. 

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Opinion

Philippe Binard, Freshfel:

“The opportunities are on adapting to a new demand”

Since Philippe Binard started in the fresh produce sector in 1987, he has never left.

34 years later, of which the last 20 have been at Freshfel, he is in close contact with, among others, the European Commission and the European Parliament and defending the interests of the European fresh fruit and vegetable sector is one of his tasks as General Delegate of Freshfel. Philippe believes that a varied supply can contribute to a healthy diet.

"Sometimes it's good to have pineapple and bananas."

The product always is his starting point, he is committed to increasing the fruit and vegetable consumption and advocates a collective approach. Originating from a consolidation of organizations founded as early as the 1960s, Freshfel has now grown into an institution giving a strong voice to its more than 150 members from across the chain; from producers, importers, shippers and exporters, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and their service providers, such as logistics and refrigerated transport, to seed companies and crop protection companies. The forum for the European fresh fruit and vegetable chain is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Reason for a good discussion about the sector, the bottlenecks and prospects.

Freshfel celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, what role did the organisation fulfil the last two decades?

“At the end of the nineties, things were changing on the political level as well as in the common market organisation for fruit and vegetables. It was moving away from awarding a subsidy to the product to project-based subsidies; quite a significant move. This also changed how businesses were organised as it was placing more responsibility on the trading and market side for the grower. To make sure that the customer could be provided with year-round supply, other activities that had not been done before on import and export, were incorporated. Also at that time there was a lot of discussion about crop protection. It was also the time when the trade was becoming global with a strong push of the off-season product coming from the Southern Hemisphere. So, there were a lot of things happening and we decided at the European level to merge two organisations that were active in Brussels representing companies and associations 8

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

from the fresh produce sector. This is how the Freshfel-story started and very quickly an organisation that was shaped as a horizontal organisation representing trade, turned into a vertical organisation incorporating the biggest segments of the supply chain. The vertical organisation is also fundamentally changing the way we approach an issue: the protagonist is not a business segment, but is the product. We look at the different perspectives of what is beneficial for the product. In the beginning this approach could have been seen as a very big challenge, but in reality we have seen that when representatives of the fruit and vegetables sector want to look objectively at the product, they know how to get together, they know how to find the best solution and they know how to prioritise the matters that are important for the general interest of the product. The last 20 years there were a lot of little challenges on the road, but also a lot of nice achievement: having the sector speaking with a strong and professional voice, which is appreciated by the decision makers in Brussels: the European Commission and the European Parliament.”

Europe we need to move to a plant based diet, is certainly inspired by our actions.

Recently there have been a number of policy initiatives inspired by Freshfel Europe to stimulate the consumption. For instance the fact that the specific budget for promotion of fruit and vegetables has been doubled while overall the total budget for agricultural promotion has been decreased by ten percent. Also we are very happy that this year is the International Year of Fruit and Vegetables, because that gives us momentum. If we will manage to increase consumption by one additional piece of fresh produce for each European, we might need between 12 and 14 million tons of additional product to be supplied.

That could be a big boost for the sector that will push the demand and could possibly also help to have better prices in the chain.” Besides this potential Philippe sees challenges as well. “We can still be disappointed about what has happened in the last decade concerning exporting trade. Following the Russian embargo that was installed in 2014 and was succeeded by an economic embargo coming from Algeria, which at the time was the fourth export market for the EU and therefore Although the future for fruit and significantly impacting our business, we vegetables looks bright, there are issues had to reposition our exports. That is not as well. What are the most significant easy because there are still a lot of sanichallenges that the sector is facing? tary and phytosanitary barriers out there.

“Yes, the future looks bright, but when We are strongly active in trying to remove there are issues and challenges, it is those, in order to open up new markets. important to have a strong voice to over- When we open a new market that is inicome these challenges and find solutions. tially maybe for 1.000 tons whereas the The future also looks bright because export to Russia was 2 million tons, so it’s during the past years we have worked not easy to rebalance.” Another challenge very hard to convince the authorities that Philippe identifies is Brexit. “The that the consumption of fruit and vegeta- UK was taking around 10 percent of the bles is not at the right level. In the EU the total intra-EU trade, representing about 3 average daily per capita consumption is million tons out of 30 million tons, so we around 360 grams, where it should be at cannot endanger this trade flow. That no least the recommended 400 grams. For duties and tariffs are applied in the trade ten years we have been taking action in between the UK and the EU is a positive this field, for instance with the fruit and element, but the UK being outside of the vegetable school scheme, and the mes- single market is creating problems of consage in the Farm to Fork Strategy that in trol and documents both in the UK and in

the EU. We are trying to find solutions in digitalisation.” Another route might be to see if there are other systems in which the UK remains for SPS matters part of the single market to avoid documents and controls. “That has worked for more than 40 years, so why not do that?”

Surely there must be opportunities as well. How do you see the future of the fruit and vegetable supply chain and what bottlenecks need to be addressed?

“The opportunities are on adapting to a new demand. The Covid-crisis has helped to do that. We have been quite active to find a solution for the Covid-situation.

Despite the status of essential business for the fruit and vegetable sector, it was not business as usual. There were many challenges regarding access to the mobility of truck-drivers, the mobility of seasonal workers and social distancing measures that were partially slowing down the operations and also many logistic difficulties with scarcety of containers and no or limited airfreight. The closing of food service was also very challenging for that part of the business. All of this led to added costs that we estimated at the start of the pandemic at 500 Million € per month for the sector in EuropeThere have been different messages coming from consumers regarding packaging and a number of products have been seriously affected following the closure of the food-service.

The situation has not been easy but there are two things about Covid that are very positive. On the one hand there is the fact that the consumer suddenly was willing to take more care about health and had time to spend at home and rediscovered the joy of the product and cookingat home. On the other hand consumers were buying fruit and vegetables, because they saw it was good to reconcile themselves with nature.

We have to build on this and on the environmental side, linked to the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Green Deal, we have to remember always that fruit and vegetables

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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Opinion

as a category have the lowest environmental impact and at the same time have the highest health benefits among all the food categories. Yes, we see possibilities and in that we have to take into account the evolution of the societal concern. This is why in the European Commission's strategy there is a section on organic. We definitively support this and a lot of growers in Europe are moving into organic production. But we have to be very careful that this is done in a way that links the evolution of the demand and supply so that we don’t endanger a segment that probably needs to grow. We insist also that in order to move to sustainability there are a lot of alternative production methods that are equally sustainable and sometimes even more. We have to make sure that in the legislation there is a fair recognition of all the efforts made by the grower. The fruit and vegetables was one of the pioneering sectors responding to societal concern.”

Philippe observes that pressure from NGO’s and retail about the use of crop protection, has led to changes in legislation as well as in private standards from retailers or general standards, like for instance GlobalGap. “The sector has been one of the driving forces in adapting to reducing the

use of crop protection to the minimum and only to what is necessary This process started more than 20 years ago.”

“We also have to look at the impact of the digital world on sales and on the consumer. Fruit and vegetables have not necessarily been the primary product that the consumer considers to buy online. Fresh produce consumer purchases are still very much impulse-driven. When buying online, the consumer might be tempted to buy more standardised products and those that are less perishable. We have to pay attention that we don’t lose out when we move for more online sales.”

The environment is an issue and the rising production costs are not met with increasing prices. How do you see the future of production of fresh produce in Europe?

Yes, the environmental measures have implications on the cost of production and pave the way for modernisation of agriculture with more precision farming, reduction of the use of crop protection, water management and protection of biodiversity at the same time. All of this requires investment, action and monitoring. We

need to adapt to an evolving business environment of increasing prices and make sure that the sector remains very competitive and attractive for the consumer.

Europe is probably taking the lead in this and that implies that we have to look at the international aspects of this process, so that environmental efforts made here to respond to local demand, don’t stand in the way of being competitive on the third country market when exporting. It is quite important to take into account that 95 percent of the consumers are outside of the EU. Europe needs to also sustain its imports from third countries, so the partnership with third country suppliers needs to be taken into account as well.

We need to make sure that nobody is left behind and that there are still opportunities to import into Europe and cope with the stricter requirements. When we look at the evolution of the reduction of the use of crop protection, we see that third countries have always managed that. Import has remained steady over the last years and is even growing. The stricter EU legislation is a challenge for importers and the growers outside of the EU, at which we have to look collectively.”

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Morocco is increasingly exporting, East- as a snack. The supply from Morocco or strange connotation. For instance BelEuropean production costs are far lower Eastern European countries will always gium exports to Paris which is 300 kilothan those in north western Europe and be a complementary assortment, extend- metres away and that can be more local we need to recruit our seasonal workers ing the production-window. Morocco and than product that comes from the south from further and further away. How is Eastern European countries are not only of France or from Brittany. The definition the EU supply chain responding to the suppliers but are also destinations for our of local is our first challenge. It is good to growing competition at the edges of exports that are growing as well . Also in have confirmation that our products are the continent and how can a more level Europe there are different cost-structures. mainly local. But there is also a necessiplaying field be created?

But at the end it is not only a cost issue. It ty for imported product from a competi“There is a search for competitiveness. is also about providing the right product tive perspective because quality can be Mechanisation is one method that can at the right quality, with the right packag- enhanced by fair competition. Also a year be helpful, just as more efficient variet- ing and freshness; there are a lot of com- round and diversified assortment will ies that can respond to the climatologi- ponents that play a role in satisfying the help to boost a healthy diet. We need the cal concerns or innovation in the struc- customer as well.” diversity of products as well as diversity ture of the business so that it is as light in production methods and different types as is needed to respond to the changing The EU seems to favour a focus on of packaging and ripeness of the product. market conditions. We also have to look local production of fresh produce.

Sometimes a consumer would like to keep into supplying all the possible segments. What would that mean for exporting an avocado for a few days and sometimes Retail is an important segment, but there countries like Belgium or the he favours a ready-to-eat avocado to conmight be others in the foodservice, which Netherlands? sume on the same evening. We have a very is very diversified. It goes from business “In the European Union we produce about segmented consumer base with a lot of or school canteens to restaurants and to 80 million tons for the fresh market. The diversity in eating attitudes like vegan, transport, social or health catering. All of intra EU trade is 30 million tons and the vegetarian, conventional, ethnic, local or them have their specific requirements and export to third countries mounts to five organic. The diversity of what we have to the sector needs to be adapted to compet- million tons. That means that 45 million offer is part of the rich description of the itively and innovatively fulfil these needs. tons of fruit and vegetables remain in the sector and gives us every opportunity to The sector needs to adapt to supply all the member states were countries amounts respond the different needs.” diversity that is needed. Also convenience to the product has been grown. We are is very important so that fruit and vegeta- primary within a local business. The bles are ready to eat and can be consumed question of local can sometimes have a

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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Opinion

There are concerns about the availability of crop protection. How does Freshfel regard this issue and can gene-editing techniques play a role in this process?

“Freshfel insists on the necessity to have coherence in the legislative approach of crop protection. You cannot say that because of climate change there will be more threats of pests and diseases and at the same time remove the toolbox by reducing the number of active substances.

Of course the sector is looking at innovation and is adopting bio control methods, moving away from synthetic crop protection. But it is as with you and me, from time to time when we are ill , we need to take medication to recover. Plants are the same. At the same time the EU remains timid in the development of new breeding techniques, which is a way to find new varieties that are more resistant to potential threats of climate change, like for instance vegetables that require less water in open air production or require less use of crop protection because they are resistant. Research and innovation in this field is quite important.” Philippe sees a slight change of mentality of the EU towards the use of gene-editing techniques but expects that this will take time, also to get a consumer mindset shift.

The consumer’s attitude towards those techniques should be taken into account before engaging. “The European consumer in general is relatively timid about this topic. There are a lot of aspects to be taken into account when we look at this particular question. Do we need labelling? Do we need to inform the consumer? Transparency is part of confidence.”

Does Freshfel have concerns about the Strategy to support responsible business tightness of the commodity market and and marketing practices. Freshfel is one the rising prices? of the signatories of the Code. This code “Past-Covid there is indeed a shortage of aims at a fair distribution of the responsome materials, for instance containers sibilities. But if we manage to develop, or packaging materials. There have been within the Farm to Fork Strategy, a fairer some disruptions in the supply chain and healthier demand for fruit and vegetaand this has had an impact on the prices bles, we might need 14 million tons more. of the product. Also we should not forget That will lead to a stronger demand which that there are still some Covid measures will create a better price for everyone and in place, leading to increased costs in the that will help stabilise relationships in the chain. Covid in general will have econom- chain.”  ic consequences. At the same time we see Ph.Binard@Freshfel.org more and more pressure on the price from the retail because in order to get the consumer into the shop post-Covid, fighting on price is one important element. We need to find the right balance between increased costs and seeing how this could be equally shared in the supply-chain while at the same time remaining attractive for consumers. Objectively fruit and vegetables remain one the cheapest categories. You can have your recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables per day, for less than two euros; it’s also a question of perspective. If in the end a few cents need to be added to the price of fruit and vegetables, the products will still remain very attractive. One of the product categories in the current assortment that has the highest growth, is also one of the most sophisticated products: the very popular berries that are sold at a high price. Price could be a barrier for a number of consumers, but to put it into perspective, fresh produce is still relatively cheap and, more importantly, it’s a very healthy product. Freshfel supports the transposition to national legislation of the directive on unfair trading practices. Moreover a code is being built in the Farm to Fork

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Automation

Jaime Mendizabal, Commercial Director of Maf Roda:

“Investment in automation is the key for Spain to cope with increasing competition from third countries” The trend among producing and marketing companies to invest in process automation and the implementation of new technologies for fruit sorting and grading has been boosted since the advent of COVID-19 in the face of personnel restrictions. The Spanish fruit and vegetable sector is facing increasing pressure from third countries, which requires a constant commitment to automation and cost reduction in order to remain competitive. We live in the age of information, and Artificial Intelligence and Big Data have become essential to collect and manage it.

Mendizabal, Commercial Director Jaime of Maf Roda Ibérica, analyzed the current situation, needs and challenges of the sector regarding the implementation of automation technology in the sorting and grading of fruit.

Maf Roda is undoubtedly the strongest post-harvest machinery company both in Spain and in the Iberian Peninsula. Its headquarters in Alzira, Lleida and Fátima (Portugal), and its delegations in Murcia, Almería, Málaga and Seville guarantee proximity in the service in the main fruit and vegetable production areas of the Peninsula.

"This proximity to the production areas allows us to have a better knowledge of the products grown there and, consequently, to develop technology that is perfectly adapted to the product and the needs of the customers. This proximity service capacity and knowledge of the products, as well as the ability to develop turnkey projects, has allowed us to gain the trust of our customers, in many cases reaching market shares of over 85%, depending on the type of product and the degree of automation required," says the company's Sales Director.

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

The pandemic has increased the need for automation to reduce dependence on manual labor The automation of processes and the implementation of new technologies for fruit sorting and grading is a trend that has been making headway for several years now among large, medium and small players in the sector. Moreover, as Jaime Mendizabal points out, this process has been boosted by the COVID-19 crisis.

"During this period, our clients have seen how restrictions in the area of human resources have reduced their productivity. They have been forced to open up to new solutions to automate processes that had previously relied on manual labor.

The sector is now perfectly aware about the fact that process automation is not a minor issue, but a necessity to ensure the survival and growth of their companies."

ALL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ARE BEING AFFECTED BY THIS NEED FOR AUTOMATION One might initially think that the fruits with the highest added value are the most susceptible to incorporate such technological advances, as it could be said that their value in the market justifies it. "It is indisputable that when consumers buy a relatively expensive fruit, they want to

be sure that they are getting a top quality to say, it goes from dumping to palletizing fruit, otherwise, they will not repeat that and final strapping, as well as sorting and purchase. Therefore, it is very import- even during the internal transfer of goods ant that, in these cases, our customers with the incorporation of our AGV systems can ensure the consistency of the prod- adapted to the sector." uct quality at all times; and that means having facilities where the quality of the INFORMATION AGE: "ARTIFICIAL fruit arriving from the field isn’t harmed, INTELLIGENCE AND BIG DATA HAVE because the sorting is done in the most BECOME INDISPENSABLE." accurate and reliable way possible. In "Honestly, I think we currently live in the order to achieve this, the use of automatic time of INFORMATION. We want to have grading technology, such as Globalscan 7 more and more data about the product we or Insight, has become essential." are sorting, either to be able to supply the market with a product with increasingly Regardless of the market value of the fruit more defined characteristics, or to be able or vegetable in question, Maf Roda's Com- to help make decisions in the field, both in mercial Director claims that this technolo- terms of treatments and harvesting," says gy not only makes it possible to ensure the Javier Jaime Mendizabal. consistency of the product being sold, but also to improve the overall performance "The amount of information we wish to and productivity of a warehouse. "We live extract from the product is such that the in an increasingly globalized world. Our incorporation of Artificial Intelligence customers are forced to compete with oth- and Big Data has become essential to coler countries with much lower labor costs. lect and manage it. Nowadays, automatic For this reason, reducing their production warehouse management, decision support costs while delivering a consistent quality or integrated traceability have become a in the marketplace has become a must." necessity for our customers or, at the very least, very useful tools. Maf Roda showed "This situation is leading to automation its commitment to these lines of work by processes being implemented across the creating specific departments for their industry on a widespread basis. Our auto- development. Now, this technology is mation solutions cover the entire process, beginning to be incorporated into warefrom the moment the fruit enters the ware- houses across the board." house until it reaches the market. That is AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

15

Automation

"The more automated a warehouse's sort- therefore, to obtain higher prices and vides the most innovative solutions, allowing and production processes are, the make a greater profit. It has even allowed ing our customers to face the challenges more useful the integrated management them to enter new markets, such as Asia, they encounter in their day-to-day lives," tools become. These fully integrated sys- where Brix degrees are a vitally import- says Mendizábal. "Thanks to this contintems allow us to improve the performance ant factor, as shown by the great demand uous effort, we have managed to register of the facilities with a better use of machin- for this equipment in that market. Many of more than 60 patents throughout our hisery and a wider range of fruit sorting pos- Maf Roda's facilities in Asia already have tory, and we currently have 7 R&D censibilities. The turnkey solutions offered by such equipment." ters around the world. We all work in the Maf Roda, where all the machinery is fully search for the most innovative solutions integrated into a single system, greatly "The increase in performance and produc- in the 6 main areas: Mechanical Engineerfacilitate the day-to-day management of tivity to reduce costs depends on the mod- ing, Automation, Electricity, Electronwarehouses and the optimization of per- ernization and automation of facilities." ics, Traceability and Robotics. By leading formance in real time," says the company's technological development and continuing sales manager.

For the Commercial Director of Maf Roda, to provide reliability and a good service to the biggest challenge for the Spanish fruit our customers, as we do today, we will furTO WHAT EXTENT WILL SORTING and vegetable sector in the coming years ther strengthen our leadership in the secAND GRADING BY INTERNAL QUALITY will undoubtedly be the strong competi- tor," says Jaime Mendizabal.  BECOME THE NORM? tion and great pressure exerted by compa"Nobody likes to buy a product and when nies from third countries. it's time to eat it, it's rotten inside, dehydrated or completely tasteless. Consum- "The production costs of these countries ers are becoming more and more demand- are much lower and that puts great presing in this regard, and they will probably sure on prices in Spain. In a situation become even more demanding over the where prices are practically imposed by next few years. This consumer demand the market, the sector has to strive to will make internal grading indispensable," increase its yields and productivity, both says Jaime Mendizabal. in the field and in the warehouse, in order to reduce costs and maintain profits. This "For example, in pears and apples, the use increase in the yield and productivity will of our IDD system to detect internal rot undoubtedly require investment in the has been common practice for many years. modernization and automation of the facilThe detection of dehydration, in the case ities. In recent years, the Spanish fruit and of citrus, allows our customers to guar- vegetable sector has shown its leadership, antee the quality of the fruit they send to consolidation and strength at an internathe market at certain times of the season, tional level. In Spain, this is an industry depending on the types of varieties pres- with great professionals and with a great ent, or after a frost, thereby protecting the resilience. I believe that no matter how big reputation of their brand." the challenge, the sector will know how to adapt and rise to the occasion."

"As for Brix degree measurement, we have seen a remarkable increase in the MORE THAN 60 PATENTS demand for many kinds of fruits (tomato, THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY TO citrus, blueberries, stone fruit, melon...) in MAINTAIN ITS POSITION AS LEADER IN the Iberian Peninsula," says Mendizabal. AUTOMATION "The installation of INSIGHT equipment "For the entire Maf Roda Group team, the has allowed our customers to guarantee main goal of our efforts and re-investment a higher level of final product flavor and, in R&D is to develop technology that pro-

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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Brothers René and Peter Bouman run this growing import company with locations in the Netherlands (Barendrecht) and Spain (Alicante). With years of experience in the fruit and vegetable trade, every day they work to achieve their mission: “To provide our European customers with outstanding service by supplying them with a wide range of fresh fruit and organic produce as directly from the source as possible.”

FMI is best known for its strong market position and expertise in Brazilian limes and Argentine lemons, with regular suppliers in these regions. In recent years, our range has been expanded more and more to include products such as ginger and turmeric, and various kinds of exotic fruit from a wide range of locations overseas.

In recent years, FMI has built an extensive network within the Netherlands and abroad. In this network, short lines of communication are key. Fresh fruit comes straight from the supplier into the warehouse. There, the quality is thoroughly checked before the products are shipped to European wholesalers, retailers, food services, the processing industry and meal box producers.

“We also saw an increasing potential in marketing Spanish products,” Peter Bouman says. “That’s why in 2020, we founded FMI España, which is going surprisingly well! Our team in Alicante offers a daily wide range of seasonal products, straight from the grower to our customers all over Europe.”

Sukliauskas and Romain Flaujac work closely with various producers, in order to offer consistent quality in our products. They also organise exports as efficiently as possible to make things as easy as possible for our customers.

In the winter, we provide all kinds of citrus: lemons, oranges, mandarins and grapefruit can be packaged directly for customers. In the summer, FMI also offers a wide range of stone fruits such as peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums. Options also include grapes, melons and other Spanish fruits.

Furthermore, various Spanish herbs and vegetables can be delivered directly.

In addition to exporting Spanish products throughout Europe, the FMI España team provides Spanish customers with limes and lemons from overseas.

Over the past year, FMI España has grown tremendously. Short lines of communication and flexibility are the trademarks of our Spanish team, in order to offer the right information, quality and speedy logistics services.

FMI España The office is located in MercAlicante the heart of agrarian Spain. Our Spanish colleagues José Espinoza, Darijus

Royal Fresh FMI continues to develop by focusing on matters like expanding the Royal Fresh brand. The brand has been on the

FMI The Netherlands | Bijdorp-Oost 18 A | 2992 LA Barendrecht | The Netherlands Phone: +31 (0)180 745 300 | E-mail: info@fmibv.nl | www.fmibv.com

market for almost 20 years, and stands for exclusivity above all else. FMI offers various top products under Royal Fresh, including limes, lemons, ginger and papaya. It stands out by offering only high-quality products from the best growers. At FMI España, the Royal Fresh brand is also used to package products including lemons, peaches and nectarines, but only if the quality meets the desired standard!

FMIbv.com FMI recently launched a webshop, where customers can get a real-time look at our whole product range. The prices are updated every day, and each product comes with realistic photos. There is also an option to check stocks online and place orders online, making it easier for customers to place their orders. FMI will continue to develop the webshop and more and more customers are finding their way there now.

If you’d like to know more, if you’re missing something in the product range, or you’d like to offer your products as a supplier in our webshop, let us know and feel free to contact us so that we can discuss all the options together.

FMI Spain | Ctra. Madrid Km 4 Mercalicante Oficina N⁰ 7 | 2a planta | Edificio Mercado | 03114 Alicante | Spain Phone: +34 965 280 923 | E-mail: info@fmiespana.es | www.fmibv.com

E-commerce

Dutch, Belgian supermarkets face competition from express deliveries Established Dutch and Belgian supermarket formulas are consolidating. But, online, there’s a wide variety of online-only supermarkets. They’re delivering goods increasingly quickly. Several new players are developing short chains. And there’s also a lot of blurring occurring thanks to combinations with meal (box) deliveries.

This is an overview.

P

icnic was the first Dutch online-only supermarket to shake up the established order of things. In August 2015, they launched their grocery delivery service alongside those of the two Dutch supermarket giants, Albert Heijn (AH) and Jumbo. Picnic started in Amersfoort and quickly expanded.

Picnic’s opened distribution centers at an accelerated pace. That’s partly due to the global pandemic. From all these locations, groceries are distributed to the more than 100 locations where Picnic delivers. These are mainly in the Randstad and larger cities in other Dutch provinces.

Orders placed before 22:00 are delivered the next day with an electric van. The supermarket is so popular that customers sometimes have to be placed on a waiting

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

list. The formula’s already active in Germany. It wants to expand to other European countries. Edeka, the largest German supermarket corporation, is an important shareholder.

In January 2021, Picnic began experiencing noticeable fruit and vegetable supply problems. According to pricing experts, at least ten of the 25 top sellers couldn’t be delivered. That was in the first three weeks of January. Although they seem inexpensive, the average fruit and vegetable price is similar to Jumbo and AH’s.

new funding round. Three friends founded this online player. They want to get more people, including their own families, to eat better. By 2020, Crisp’s turnover had grown more than seven-fold.

Crisp now has more than 500 employees.

It operates from Amsterdam and has a nationwide delivery service. More than 85% of its revenue comes from repeat customers. And Crisp has been consistently profitable per order for a year now. That’s according to the latest press reports.

Next-day-items can be ordered until 22:00.

Delivery from €75, 7 days a week.

Crisp prizes fresh and seasonal. They build direct partnerships with producers and growers. Crisp's three best-selling products are cucumbers, avocados and, at number one, butter croissants. The latter are given free with the first order. That ensures repeat purchases.

CRISP GORILLAS Crisp began in the Netherlands in 2018. This online player made its way to the It has more of a short chain approach and Netherlands from Germany. Gorillas emphasizes ‘super-fresh’. They’ve includ- focuses entirely on express delivery. They ed bread in their range. That recently promise to have your order at your door raised €30 million in growth money in a within ten minutes. The service has been

Name

Reach

Deliveries

Offer

Specialty

Next day, Free for more than €35

Fresh and non-perishable

Has waiting lists

Picnic

Dutch urban areas

The entire Netherlands

Next day, Free for more than €75

Fresh and non-perishable

Crisp

Artisanal products, developing short chains

Parts of large Dutch cities

Within 10 minutes, €1.80/order

Fresh and non-perishable

Gorillas

Bike deliveries, short chains

Manaw (under construction)

Free delivery

Fresh and non-perishable

Multicultural, regular offer

Amsterdam Hasselt (Be)

Next day, Free for more than €100

Fresh and non-perishable

Possible in Antwerpen, Gent (Be)

Unknown

Fresh and non-perishable

Includes meal service

Liège (Be)

Within 2 hrs, free from €40

Fresh and non-perishable

Local, fresh products

Brussels and Wallonia (Be)

Per appointment, from €70

Fresh and non-perishable

Organic/sustainable products, meals, meal boxes

Parts of Belgium

Twice/week, by appointment, from €75

Fresh

Short, local chains, artisanal products

Hopr C-mercado (under construction) Straaly

eFarmz

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Red and white cabbage, pointed, -savoy ,-sweet flat white, -china cabbage, Brussels sprouts, celeriac, beetroots (red, yellow, white, Chioggia), swedes, carrots (orange, yellow, purple), iceberg lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, leek, onions (consumption, onionsets), potatoes, chicory, topinambour, parsnip, parsleyroots

A.N.Boekel B.V. Berrie 1 1724 BB Oudkarpsel

Tel: +31-226 700 500 post@boekelwaarland.nl www.boekelwaarland.nl

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

21

E-commerce

available in the Netherlands since March Limburg. The formula offers a full range Straaly wants to switch to bicycle delivery 2021. That’s in selected neighbourhoods of products. For orders from €50, delivery as soon as it’s logistically possible. Shopin Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam and is made the next day in an electric vehicle. pers pay up to a maximum of €5 for the The Hague. Customers order their daily You’ll be charged for this, depending on delivery. The founders "want to make life or weekly groceries via the Gorillas app. the size of the order. Delivery is free for easier at a low price. While keeping the There’s no minimum order value. The pric- orders above €100. There are also free local economy alive too". es are comparable to those in supermar- delivery promotions. kets, Gorillas promises. Delivery charges EFARMZ are €1.80.

C-MERCADO People in the French-speaking parts of The Belgian C-mercado should start trad- Belgium can shop online at eFarmz. This Smaller service areas and small urban ing this month. But, at the time of writing, formula delivers meals, meal boxes, and DCs - this effective system guarantees the it’s not yet online. C-Mercado will deliver all groceries to your doorstep. In their short delivery times. Orders are prepared meals and groceries to homes through- charter, they state that they’re commitand handed to bike messengers who deliv- out Belgium. Initially from Antwerp, then ted to developing a sustainable, dynamic er to the shoppers. This online store only probably also in Ghent. ecosystem. They also want to offer mostly uses bike messengers. They say they’re ‘on (local) organic products. These are excela mission to lead the change to more delib- STRAALY lent from a flavor, nutritional, environerate, sustainable consumption." And: Start-up, Straaly has been active in the mental, and human point of view. They "Local farmers help us deliver the freshest Belgian city of Liège since mid-December. only deliver in Brussels and Wallonia. produce. That ensures short supply chains This online supermarket has an assort- Deliveries are done by appointment and while supporting local communities." ment of around 100 products. They’re are free from €70. from both wholesale and local sources.

MANAW The fresh products come from the Point LOKKAL This online store will soon be up and run- Ferme short-chain initiative. This coop- Lokkal is an online platform in Mechning in Amsterdam. Manaw won’t only erative brings together some 40 growers elen, Belgium. It was launched in 2020. offer the standard Dutch supermarket and farmers from Liège. They deliver their The founders are four young, local entreassortment. They want to have a multi- products directly to consumers every preneurs. They say they’ve managed to cultural range too. "With Manaw, you no week. That’s via various pick-up points in attract more than 100 suppliers, both longer have to go to the Indonesian, Turk- the city. Straaly was set up with the sup- local and national. Lokkal lets consumers ish or African supermarket," the formula port of Point Ferme. It’ll take care of home place orders directly with the suppliers. promises. They’ll deliver groceries to your deliveries. That allows the cooperative to The company collects the items from the home free of charge and within 24 hours. focus on other delivery methods. producers and growers. They then deliver them on Tuesday or Thursday at an agreed HOPR The groceries are delivered to homes in time. They are currently active in MechAfter a two-week test period, Hopr start- the center of Liege within two hours of elen, Antwerp, and the north of Flemish ed in Hasselt in the Belgian province of ordering. This is currently done by car. But Brabant. (ML) 

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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23

Opinion

Philippe Appeltans, BelOrta, Belgium:

"We can use our market power t In these times of individualization, Philippe Appeltans believes auctions definitely add value. Phillippe is the Belgian cooperative, BelOrta's Managing Director. His motto is 'Alone, you go faster; together you go further'. That certainly applies to BelOrta. It's been through 20 years of mergers and partnerships. And so has grown from a local company to Europe's largest cooperative sales organization. More than 1,000 growers supply a range of over 170 kinds of fresh vegetables, fruit, and aromatic herbs. Most of this is sold regionally within a radius of 300 kilometers of the cooperative. But some products go to the farthest corners of the world as well.

P

hilippe took over the helm three years ago. He wants to lead BelOrta into a new phase. He wants to do this with patience, a fixed course, and an open mind.

Some aspects will remain paramount.

These are innovative capacity, interna24

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

changes are just happening more rapidly.

You must be able to respond to that." PRIMEUR spoke with Philippe about not only Brexit and other geopolitical challenges, but also pricing, the cooperative's advantages, and the auction's importance too.

We've been under COVID-19's yoke for more than a year now. How has that affected BelOrta?

"It can't be called a normal situation. The hospitality and out-of-home sectors were closed. So, there was a lot more demand for takeaway meals. Retailers are prostional entrepreneurship, sustainability, pering, with some shifts in market shares. and continuous daring and ambition. He Supermarkets close to the residential censees plenty of challenges and issues, but ters are flourishing. And there's a lot of fortunately, also plenty of opportuni- home cooking. So, consumers are looking ties. "Challenges are plentiful, but there's for recipes and inspiration. Typical cateralways change, also in the past. These ing products have had a hard time. Distant

to brainstorm new trends” exports of typical Belgian specialties, like chicory, have struggled.”

"The United Kingdom is an important mar- tivize them to further develop their own ket for certain fruit-vegetables, strawber- production. And I have some slightly lonries, and pears. Everyone prepared well, ger-term concerns. The United Kingdom's “Fewer flights to, say, Japan mean little but, of course, it means additional costs. going to conclude individual trade agreepossibility of sending niche products. Our problem, especially for fresh pro- ments with other countries. Will those That's true for the top fruit sector too. The duce, is the speed of transport. For true agreements be more beneficial than trade issues with containers in international fresh produce and soft fruit, it's no longer with Europe? More Moroccan tomatoes trade are affecting exports. A reopening a given that delivery will be the same day, than Spanish ones are apparently ending and normalization are, hopefully, on the like before. You can anticipate this a lit- up in the UK. That may cause shifts in the cards. The market's focusing on quality tle better using a broker. Several matters long run. The same goes for top fruit. That food, which is a good thing. People have have been postponed until the end of the country already imported a lot of Eurostarted to appreciate fruit and vegeta- year. But, we can't rest on our laurels. We pean and overseas goods. Are they now bles more. Quality fruit and vegetables must continue to focus on getting the sup- going to enter into more favorable trade are doing well. People value these, and ply chain up and running as quickly and deals with third-party overseas suppliers we hope that will continue. Also, people cost-effectively as possible. I don't think than those in Europe?" respect our farmers more." there's any short-term threat to fruit and vegetable sales to the UK." "Are we going to be at a competitive disadBrexit is another major theme. How vantage against real third countries like, have you experienced this so far, and "That country's largely dependent on say, Morocco, Chile, or New Zealand? Costs what are your expectations? imports. I do wonder if this will incen- are lower in some of these third countries.

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

25

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That may play a role, but that undoubted- bles' quality more. But that comes at a ly also applies to non-trade barriers. How price, also from a sustainability point of will people consider Maximum Residue view. A race to the bottom is ultimately Limits (MRLs) for pesticides, for example? counterproductive. It would wipe out the That might cause undesirable side effects. margins growers need to focus on innovaWill the approach to other third countries tion. And that would lead to a reduction in differ from that of the European supply? supply. We can, of course, gain much from That's a concern. But it'll be up to us to optimizing logistics, efficiency, and labor continue promoting our quality and prox- organization. That's in our role as a marimity to the UK. Then I hope they'll contin- keting organization. But we must realize ue to buy from us." that quality fruit and vegetables come at a price. People must become aware of this, Do fruit and vegetables face any other and that's a challenge.” challenges besides this one?

"The current challenge is geopolitical in “BelOrta focuses strongly on diversifinature. The United Kingdom is the exam- cation. We offer more than 170 different ple now. Top fruit and tomatoes are still types of vegetables, fruit, and aromatic dealing with the Russia debacle; that boy- herbs. Within many of our product groups, cott now seems to be permanent. Linked we emphasize the flavor experience. Betto that, there's a development in the for- ter-tasting varieties are often less promer Soviet satellite states. Horticulture is ductive. Translate that into an equal or increasing there. But also within the Euro- better income for our growers. Then you pean Union, countries are protecting their can position yourself better in the market. markets under the guise of regionalism. We have a product development team. It Belgium and the Netherlands are both consists of salespeople, specialists, seed strongly export-oriented. I think these companies, and research institutes. This countries must consider this development team considers whether consumers will with caution." accept innovations and if they're technically feasible.”

“Localism’s good and well but also somewhat absurd. There are 200 million Euro- “New tomato varieties, for instance, are pean consumers within a 300-kilometer only admitted to the range if they meet radius around BelOrta. The Paris basin various criteria. That goes beyond mere and the German Ruhr are closer to our productivity. It's also about a different growers than those from, say, Perpignan perception and flavor. These innovations and Bordeaux in France. Or the Palatinate let you meet people's expectations. You region in Germany. And yet, regionalism can place products on the market for dictates that German and French products which consumers and the trade are willing be considered more local. Trade and con- to pay just a little more. Then growers can sumers know no borders. We can use our also make a higher return. There's a chalquality image to capitalize on that. And we lenge here. You must tell people enough can work with partners in Germany and about how they can use the products. And France to dispel that perception." that it's from us."

"Price is another concern. The global pandemic is emphasizing fruit and vegeta-

How does BelOrta see Belgian greenhouse vegetable cultivation developing?

"It's challenging and dynamic. Several issues may hinder greenhouse vegetable cultivation development. There's little room for entrepreneurship in Belgium.

There's minimal greenhouse horticulture acreage compared to the total agricultural area. And yet, the perception, even among politicians, is that the whole of the country is full of greenhouses. That, while we're actually producing products with high added value. And on a very limited surface. Fruit and vegetables are becoming increasingly important in consumers' diets. So, I don't understand why people are considering a limited renovation of the Belgian and Dutch glasshouse area."

"Belgian greenhouse horticulture will always be a modest player in the European and global context. But that can also be a Unique Selling Point (USP). We must focus on other points. These are supply diversification, innovation, craftsmanship, family entrepreneurship, proximity, and quality. These are the USPs that make international trade consider us. We can't offer the lowest price or huge volumes.

You shouldn't want to compete with other suppliers in that anyway. Belgian horticulture will never win that battle. So we must start from our strengths. We can compensate for our limited scale by cooperating in several areas."

How are things in the greenhouse strawberry farming sector?

"There's a very diverse range of strawberry farming systems. There's traditional soil cultivation, scaffolding farming, sheltered cultivation, and greenhouse farming.

These methods are increasing because existing growers want to expand. They want to be present, year-round, as much

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

27

Opinion

as possible. But there's also growth due to the arrival of new farmers. These growers move from vegetable to greenhouse strawberry cultivation. There's more and more innovation within the greenhouse strawberry sector. They use LED lighting, for instance, to extend the season and bring it forward. UV robots are also used to reduce disease pressure."

"These massive investments are made in the context of sustainability. We're investing in new varieties. A new variety has to prove its worth; its superiority. That's in terms of shelf life, flavor, productivity, and growing conditions. Covered strawberry production is increasing. Fortunately, strawberry consumption is climbing in Belgium and its neighboring countries.

There are fewer imports, and retail28

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

ers switch over more quickly to Belgian slice of tomato is an important sandwich strawberries. That's a positive develop- ingredient. But as an ingredient of a better ment. Strawberries are the front runners food box ingredient, it seems to be vital. in the generally expanding berry category. Then a brand name like BelOrta can make Many berries are still being imported. But, a difference. Consumers also want to be it's become evident that we can gradually surprised. The classics such as asparagus replace those imports with Belgian prod- and chicory will remain, but they must be ucts for a longer period." presented in unusual ways."

So, there are opportunities for "That's why we have a brand new consumstrawberries. Is this true for fruit and er website. It includes surprisingly tasty vegetables too? seasonal recipes for every moment of the "There are opportunities for a brand name day. There are opportunities for using to eventually support these products. big data too. You can know what's going That's thanks to their image and value. on and what the trends are. Sales organiThat could be a private label, variety, or zations and their customers have a lot of brand name. There's a range of possibil- knowledge. You should be able to make ities in the market function. Differing positive use of that. For example, BelOrassortments and flavors play a role here. ta helped launch a digital platform called For example, people don't seem to think a Care4Growing. That was partly with a

view to assimilating this data in the long "That's apart from the fact that you have to term. We can use grower and client infor- be a top grower to farm organically. The mation together. That's for targeted mar- time of the tree hugger organic farmers is keting and introducing new products to long past. It's already difficult enough to the market. There are many opportuni- cultivate conventional, integrated crops. ties, but you have to want to see and seize If a grower wants to switch, he falls into a them." grey zone during that time. Where should he sell his products? Neither consumers How does BelOrta see the organic nor traders know about this. BelOrta has, segment’s growth ? therefore, developed the EARTH concept.

"Here, too, there are opportunities. It's a This transition is necessary; we want growing niche. More and more consumers organic farming to keep growing. To do so, are willing to pay a premium for this. Our we must first establish a concept in this range includes some 100 organic prod- transition segment. It must be clear, accesucts from about 40 growers. There's no sible, and informative. Retailers, traders, discussion between organic growers and and our producers have received this idea conventional, integrated growers about well. Conversion products have an added which is healthier. It's about perception price. That's because the costs involved and cultivation methods. If there's a mar- are also higher, and productivity is someket segment willing to pay for that, you what lower." have to respond. Of course, the European Commission's goal to see the organic seg- Individualization is big at the moment. ment expand significantly stimulates this How important is a cooperative auction sector. There's room for all kinds of devel- house now, and in the long run? opment. That's evident in the trade sector "Doing business cooperatively allows you too. Demand is surpassing our supply and to combine the best of two worlds. You we want to respond to this. But the con- can focus on your own company, quality, version period causes a bottleneck." and optimization-wise. And you can couple that with the strength of a bundled supply. And the benefit of scale regarding

logistics, packaging, research, and innovation. Belgium's small size combined with the strength of scale is fantastic. BelOrta's large supply is very specific to us.

That means our model gives us access to a huge local and overseas customer base.

That lets producers and buyers spread their risk too. One-on-one works well until there's a hitch."

"Imagine, as a customer, you have a single source for a product. Then imagine it's affected by supply problems. As part of a cooperative, you'd still have supply. That's a win-win for both parties. BelOrta serves 500 national and international buyers.

That large client base means that it needn't be a total loss if something goes wrong with a buyer. There are alternative outlets.

Large and small products, specialties, and mainstream fruit and vegetables can benefit from each other. Some buyers come to BelOrta for specialties but then also take traditional products or vice versa. Those reinforce each other."

"Labor is becoming an issue. So BelOrta's decided to invest in a state-of-the-art sorting and packing facility for top fruit. It's on a scale and with a level of automation

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

29

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BelOrta has more than 50 different tomatoes in its range, from vine tomatoes and loose tomatoes to cherry and beef tomatoes. Speciality tomatoes such as cœur de bœuf tomato, pineapple tomato and black krim are also part of the assortment.

The majority of our tomato varieties, as well as the specialities, are harvested daily and are available all year round - all of the highest quality and exceptional taste.

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and taste, more than 200 new varieties and species are examined every year, in a constant effort to improve.

The products are available in all possible packaging options and concepts. In addition to traditional packaging, BelOrta also offers sustainable alternatives. One of these alternatives is banding, which consists of wrapping the product with a paper band. Other cardboard packaging, including a shaker, is also possible. For small packaging, we are happy to work

that growers could never achieve, even if plays a role. It's costly to invest in digitithey have 300 hectares. We're committed zation. But there's no other way. Together, to far-reaching automation. That means we and our fellow cooperatives, Hoogwe can unburden growers and offer the straten and REO, have invested in this. We service at a very low cost. That, in turn, consider it a must for our sector's competallows growers to offer their clients con- itive position. We're going to take this on tinuity. They can also switch rapidly com- together because it requires huge resourcmercially when it comes to varieties and es. It, however, also means you can make packaging options. You can't do that as an this change. We've identified 97 domains individual. That also applies to innovation to digitize within Care4Growing. We're and research." now rolling out seven of these to producers. Those have to do with crop registra"BelOrta spends more than €2 million tion, pesticides, and fertilizers." annually on co-financing research. The cooperative makes it possible to launch “Vertical cooperation with buyers can only a new product on the market right away. do you good. That’s for both customers That's concerning innovation, and is and producers. That’s with good horishaped by the product development team. zontal bundling. It’s about scale, having a We have the scale and market strength base, and absorbing buyers and growers to do that, volume and marketing-wise. risks. It’s also about marketing power and BelOrta’s, therefore a formidable tool packaging knowledge. You can then put that's at growers' disposal. They can use a product out there, in consultation with it for commerce, service provision, and customers and growers. You’d need too food safety—all at a very low cost. Last many resources if you have to do that on year, BelOrta growers paid a 1.4% average your own with one product or crop. You net commission to keep their businesses can rather do that as part of a cooperative afloat. That's only possible through the with all its expertise. That’s regarding culeconomy of scale, optimal operations, and tivation, commercialization, marketing diverse service provision." and packaging. Then it’s a win-win for all parties. I predict a bright future for BelOr"We'd love to make the change to digital ta." transformation. Here, too, our large size

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Could this new partnership with Coöperatie Hoogstraten and REO veiling eventually lead to a merger?

"We work well together on the Care4Growing level and auctioning daily fresh products. We do simultaneous sales; we sell the same products at the same time. Growth isn't an objective in itself. It does, however, contribute to improving growers' position in the chain. Then you should certainly consider it. And then it's not about traditional horizontal bundling and power relations in the chain. But rather about getting added value from the chain. And for that, you need scale and certain volumes. We want to be the top sales organization, but that must happen organically. You can't impose such a management vision from the top down."

"I'm not excluding further consolidation in the sector. And, in the past decade, BelOrta's proven that it's possible. We've completed two major mergers in eight years.

Some parties were rather skeptical, but we succeeded. That's thanks to hard work.

And the cooperation of growers, the Board of Directors, and employees. Our customers have also experienced that this way of working can be a win-win. We have the market power to brainstorm new trends and developments. Are we vetoing furAGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

31

Opinion

cabbage, onions, and top fruit aren't. So, the clock's a great barometer of the market situation. I think, thanks to the auction, we're the first to pick up trends and demands, in pricing too. That's why many of the larger European trading parties use us as a reference for setting their brokerage prices. But, we’ll get a certain clock price for a certain quality. Then competing suppliers offer their goods to the market a little cheaper. That's frustrating."

ther consolidation? Of course not, but only if the producer's interests remain paramount. We're focusing on regional sales within 300 kilometers of our location except for top fruit that we want to market worldwide - and niche products."

"Parties with the same DNA and the same expansion conditions may come along in the future. That could result in something great. Then why not? If the time's right, we'll take that step. If not, we'll be able to work together with Care4Growing in other ways. For example, we've partnered with Fruitmasters to make Kanzi the best apple variety in Europe. For the bicolor pear, Fred, we collaborate with other international sales organizations. We want to make this pear an international success. You can also cooperate on themes in certain areas. You don't have to merge right away. There are many ways to grow."

Are auctions even important anymore?

"One of our core tasks is to get the best possible market price for our growers, under

Discover

32

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

"It, however, does mean we've obtained the highest market price for our growers. Sales can be harder. That's due to, for example, the weather, higher yields, or lower demand. Then everyone considers auctions an inadequate tool. But as soon as things improve, the market rapidly recovers. If you only sell fresh produce only via a go-between, buyer pressure could increase. They could want ever-sharper the given conditions. We use an optimal prices, with the grower footing the bill. If mix of sales systems for the product, time we're not satisfied with an intermediary of year, and customer. And this with the price, we can use that unplaced volume. lowest possible transaction costs. In that That's in day trading, presales, or with respect, auctions are a fantastic tool for one of our 400 buyers. In this way, we many products. When supplies peak in the also spread the risk. That requires good summer, we sell 1,5 million kg of tomatoes insight." in less than 15 minutes. That's to a client base of 400 buyers throughout Europe. "You have to be smart with the auction Try achieving that through a broker." and not overload it. You have to find the optimum mix of presale, brokerage, and "Adjust the logistical process accordingly, auction. If you master that game, you can and auction sales are actually a precur- get good prices for the producers. Our cussor to logistical and operational efficien- tomers also choose to spread their risk. cy. Auctions aren't what they used to be. They partly cover themselves through We've developed all kinds of hybrid forms long-term contracts and partly through of auction sales, like short and long-term day-trading. So, they also reduce their risk. presales. For 25 years, major buyers and Then, the puzzle falls nicely into place. The retailers abroad have participated in the auction remains a vital piece, certainly for supply and demand game. That via auc- perishables. This way of working ensures tions, from their offices. That's e-com- that our clients know there's fresh promerce before it even began." duce at BelOrta every day. It's all in, all out, every day."  "Businesses source 40% of certain prodPhilipppe.Appeltans@Belorta.be ucts via sales on distance. Also, many fruits and vegetables are perishable, while

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

33

Kakis

Carlos Nemesio, Head of Persimmon and Kaki Sales at Anecoop:

“In the end, only persimmon specialists will remain” Less than two decades ago, persimmon cultivation expanded strongly in the Spanish Region of Valencia, especially in the province of Valencia. The crop was called to be the great alternative for many citrus producers, who at that time had been suffering a prolonged profitability crisis, but now it is going through its most difficult period.

A

head of the 2021/22 season, which with more than 70% of their plantations. will start in September, the prospects It is almost utopian to find fields totally announced by the Spanish Persimmon free of cotonet. While last year the proAssociation are not at all encouraging, sin- duction lost due to this and other pests ce according to initial estimates, losses of was already significant, this year it will be between 20 and 25% in the harvest are even more so," he says. expected at national level. However, while in other years the production losses have In the words of Carlos Nemesio, head for been due to adverse climatic phenomena, persimmon and watermelon sales at AneCarlos Nemesio this year it is due to the incessant advance coop, whose members produce around in the Region of one of the most worrying 50% of the country’s total production, "the pests: the cotonet (Pseudococus longispi- spread of this pest has been unstoppable "It is a major problem. It is causing an nus). The drop in the volume could beco- since the European Commission banned increase in the production costs due to me even greater as this pest continues to methyl chlorpyrifos, the active material the higher amount of treatments we need spread. that was used to deal with it, a year and to apply, and the damage it causes is taka half ago. Other kinds of treatments are ing a toll on the commercial yield of the "The spread of cotonet in persimmon fields being tested to try containing it, such as plantations," says Carlos. "The problem is the biggest concern among growers," the use of pheromones, and integrated right now is serious. If a solution isn’t says Pascual Prats, president of the Span- control is also being introduced, but the found, either the reauthorization of methish Persimmon Association. "Practically truth is that the efficiency of these solu- yl chlorpyrifos or the introduction of more all persimmon growers - from coopera- tions remains very low and their effects effective treatments, I would dare to say tives to private companies - are affected will take time to be noticed." that the future of persimmon cultivation by this pest to one degree or another, some is in jeopardy. And we must remember 34

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

that the longer it takes to find a solution, "Large retailers are becoming more and the more difficult it will be to eliminate more demanding in terms of quality and the pest," he warns. demand more competitive prices, while our production costs are becoming more "Just a few years ago, we used to carry out and more expensive, and with more difbetween 4 and 5 treatments to tackle cer- ficulties to produce quality fruit," says tain fungal problems in the fields, while Pascual Prats. "The significant drop in now we are forced to carry out around 8-9 the production last year caused prices to treatments, which undoubtedly results in be acceptable for the stores, but they did higher production costs", says the pres- not make up for the growers' production ident of the Spanish Persimmon Associa- costs." tion, Pascual Prats.

Carlos Nemesio says that in the Valencia The cotonet is hitting a Region in which area, despite the fact that there are also the abandonment of farmland is raising young plantations, persimmon plots are concerns. The Region now has the great- being uprooted in order to replant them est amount of uncultivated agricultural with alternative crops that offer better land in the country; a fact that should not prospects, "especially mid-season and be ignored and which shows, among other late citrus varieties. In a way, we are things, the lack of profitability that many returning to where we were 15 years ago, producers in this sector are suffering, and when persimmons promised to become an which is certainly also affecting persim- alternative to citrus for many producers." mon producers. The losses caused by the However, he explains that this situation is pest are happening at a time when a large not only affecting the Region of Valencia. supply and structural problems in the "The acreage devoted to this crop has gone fruit’s marketing have already been hav- down. In Huelva, where persimmon proing an impact on its profitability. duction had also expanded in recent years, many hectares have been uprooted and

have been replaced by citrus and berry plantations, especially blueberries."

"What is clear is that the production is going down," warns Carlos. "In the coming years, many are going to give up and only persimmon specialists will remain; those who are more cost-efficient, who achieve better yields and who have better sales planning. This will regulate the supply and help make the crop profitable again. In this regard, the cooperatives led

by Anecoop are at the forefront when it comes to the production and marketing program for persimmons in Spain."

However, according to Carlos, persimmons still have a lot of potential. "Compared to other products grown in similar periods, from late September to the end of January/ beginning of February, persimmons are far behind in terms of marketed volumes.

That is why the challenge ahead of us is to continue promoting the product, not only in export markets, but also in the domestic market. We must continue working on improving the quality of the fruit, so as not to disappoint consumers and manage to go

“Enjoy doing business with a reliable partner’’

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

35

Kakis

even further, both in terms of distance, to be able to export the fruit to more distant destinations, and in time, trying to extend the length of the campaign."

In this regard, Anecoop has received proposals to launch persimmon import and marketing programs with fruit from

36

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

South America, which would cover the months of March and April. "It is an interesting proposal, but we haven’t made a decision yet. We are a domestic producer and marketer, and the imported fruit arriving during the month of March would not immediately follow the end of the Spanish persimmon campaign; we would

already be at the beginning of the national campaigns of other summer products, such as stone fruit, melon or watermelon, and I am not sure that persimmons would find much room on the shelves," says the head of persimmon and watermelon sales of the second-grade cooperative. 

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One of the enterprises with which IPD works together in Ecuador is an organic producer offering bananas not only in organic, but also in Demeter quality. IPD will also be accompanying Peruvian companies at “Fruit Attraction” who produce fresh ginger and curcuma - both of them very much in demand in organic quality.

The import promotion initiative brings buyers from Europe together with small and medium-sized enterprises from emerging markets and developing countries. This service is both neutral and free of charge. In South America, IPD is currently actively involved in Ecuador, Colombia and Peru. The South American companies in the IPD programme will be presenting a highly varied and qualitatively premium range of products at the fair, all of them responsive to the demands of the European market.

Partner country Ukraine Together with Brazil, Ukraine is “Guest Importing Country” at this year’s “Fruit Attraction”, and Ukraine will also be represented on the IPD stand at the fair. IPD has been actively involved in Ukraine since 2019, offering support, among others, to companies in the agricultural sector who will be presenting Hokkaido pumpkins, watermelons, plums, peaches and sweet potatoes at the exhibition. In addition to this, IPD will be showcasing further specialities from Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. All in all, it supports a total of 30 companies from its partner countries, as well as further producers from Morocco and Ethiopia as part of its cooperation with GIZ, Germany’s association for international cooperation.

A large range of subtropical and tropical fruit is supplied by Colombia, including mangos, avocados, granadillas and maracujas. The Colombian companies also produce lesser-known varieties such as pitahayas, mangosteen and naranjilla. And they will be offering their entire range of products in organic quality. “The offer from Colombia serves not only the demand for ‘exotic’ fruits, but also the desire for sustainable offers,” says IPD Expert Daniel Oppermann. “Since our policy is to give consideration to importers’ needs, organic certification for fruit and vegetables is a high priority in our sourcing activities.”

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Cítricos

While Chile is still battling the current citrus season, it hopes for a better one next year

Chile is coming out of a challenging clementine season and the country’s lemon season didn’t rank as the best in history either. “In general, it was a difficult year,” says Jose Manuel Ortiz with San Osvaldo, a vertically integrated citrus company based in Chile. Hopes are a bit higher for the mandarin season with shipments continuing until the end of September.

I

In addition to smaller sizing, demand in the first part of the season was further reduced by an overlap with California’s Murcott season. “California’s season went longer than expected, so there was still lots of California fruit in the market when Chile started shipping. Orders got pushed back as a result.” In addition, Chile’s production volume was up with an estimated 30-33 percent more volume shipped this season compared to last. All in all, a combination of increased supplies and lower demand compared to last year pushed prices down.

t was a perfect storm of events that resul- trees didn’t receive the amount of water ted in a very challenging clementine sea- they needed, which impacted the sizing. son. First of all, a severe drought that has “Clementines were a bit smaller this year, impacted the country for the past five to while our retail customers prefer bigger six years resulted in less water availability sizes.” This had an impact on demand as than ever before. Although some farmers about 95 percent of Chile’s clementines have more water than others, in general are exported to the US. “It’s a natural mar- As if that wasn’t enough, increased input the lack of precipitation is resulting in less ket for us, but definitely a high-demanding costs added to the challenge. “Costs of water supplies. The water situation is a bit one.” In response to the ongoing drought, labor, freight, and packaging material all of a case-by-case situation as availability San Osvaldo’s strategy is to prioritize the have gone up.” depends on the valley a ranch is located in. best orchards. “We will be pulling older The north for instance, where San Osval- and less productive trees to ensure our LEMONS do’s clementine farms are situated, is in a high-producing trees get enough water. Following clementines, Chile’s citrus harcritical position in terms of water supplies. Some orchards we will just have to forget vest continues with lemons. They are in “This year, we had less access to water than about as we don’t have any security when the last part of the season and only have previous years,” said Ortiz. As a result, the it comes to water supplies.” about two to three weeks of shipping left AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

39

Citrus

(as of August 20, 2021). “Fortunately, lemons were more stable than clementines this year,” said Ortiz. While the US is the main market for Chilean lemons, the country has also been able to take advantage of China opening up for citrus from Chile.

“This is the second season we are exporting to China, and we do have an advantage over competing countries like Argentina and South Africa,” Ortiz commented. As opposed to these countries, lemons from Chile do not need to undergo cold treatment to enter China. While other citrus products from Chile have that same benefit, the country is not able to fully utilize that advantage. “For oranges and soft citrus, Chile still has some work to do in terms of growing a product that is able to compete with countries like Peru, South Africa and Australia. We need to work on color, sugar content, and correct sizing.

In terms of quality, the Chinese market is high-end with high expectations, and we’ll be able to ship more fruit once our quality is at par with competing growing nations,” he said. For lemons, Chile is able to offer an attractive product with a bright yellow color that is finding good reception in the Chinese market.

tunately, the second half of the season was better.”

IMPACT OF LONGER TRANSIT TIMES Although quality of lemons meets the consumer’s expectations in both the US and China, getting the product to the country of destination has been a real challenge The perfect storm of the season is completthis year. “We’ve been dealing with lim- ed by a lack of labor. “All the fruit is picked ited container availability, longer transit by hand, and we are having trouble to get times and port delays,” shared Ortiz. “This people to pick the fruit on time,” commentis something we weren’t used to but are ed Ortiz. “We need people with specialforced to adapt.” In some cases, departures ized skills, and it has been a challenge to from Chile were delayed while other times find them.” Even though companies have it took 10 days to get containers off-loaded increased wages, it is still not solving the at the final destination. Port delays were shortage. Reason for the shortage could be most prevalent on the US West Coast and the increased governmental help during issues are starting to arise on the US East COVID. Increased benefits may encourCoast as well. Shipments to China on the age people to stay home. In addition, less other hand have been smoother. The lon- foreign labor entering the country also ger transit times really affected the clem- impacts the availability of workers. entine season. “Clementines are more sensitive and have a shorter shelf-life than “While we are still fighting this citrus sealemons. As a result, the percentage of use son, I have high expectations for next seawas lower than last year. Fortunately, lem- son to be good. We will recover and move ons hold better and are less impacted by on,” Ortiz concluded.  shipping delays.”

MANDARINS At the tail-end of Chile’s citrus season Despite offering a high-quality product, comes the harvest of mandarins that exports to China weren’t as good as last started early August. “We are expecting a year during the beginning of the season. good Murcott season, partly because the “This year, we’ve witnessed a lot more water situation is better than for clemenChilean competitors going into China. For- tines.” Mandarins are grown in the South/ 40

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

Central part of Chile where more water is available. The majority of product ships to the US and arrivals are expected to enter until mid-October. After that, the US market will mainly turn to domestic California grown product.

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41 12:5 26-08-2021

Cítricos

South Africa increasingly focusing on exports to new markets

Is the supply of South African fruit to Europe in danger?

Europe has a large, well-developed fresh fruit and vegetable market.

Demand is also, generally, stable. That is a great starting point for exporting countries. Europe usually imports a lot of fruit from South Africa. In fact, in 2020, the Netherlands took 25% more than in 2019. At 23%, the Netherlands is the largest importer of South African fruit.

this regard is access to export markets.

"The biggest barrier to fresh fruit exports is complying with the different markets' sanitary and phytosanitary standards."

"Technical and scientific expertise is required to meet those standards. This expertise is needed to assure importing ast year's increase might have been In 2020, 85 and 103.5% more lemons and countries that they are not at risk from due to the rise in demand for citrus. easy peelers, respectively, were export- pests and diseases." Also affecting marThat is considered part of a healthy diet ed than five years earlier. These were the ket access is the fact that South Africa is to help combat COVID-19. In recent years, third and fourth largest exports. Oranges part of the Southern African Development imports of South African fruit to the and apples are at numbers one and two in Community. The country, therefore, canNetherlands have been roughly stable at the export rankings. Of these, there was not independently negotiate things like around 21%. That reflects the developed an 8,5 and nine percent rise in exports free trade agreements. So new markets European market where consumption is last year versus 2016. Blueberries and are extremely slow to open up. no longer increasing. South Africa, on the avocados are other popular global marother hand, needs exports to grow so as to ket products. Blueberries still have mod- MARKET ACCESS create employment. est volumes, and avocados' production This limited market access affects, for decreased. Neither of these products has example, avocado sales. Competitors UNTAPPED OPPORTUNITIES managed to keep up with growing demand such as Peru or Chile have greater market South Africa is an established fruit in South Africa. access. South African avocado sales have, exporter, states The Conversation. The thus, been squeezed out. Europe is expectcountry has, however, failed to take full GROWTH MARKETS ed to stay avocados from South Africa’s advantage of rising demand. The Conver- The Conversation believes a five-percent main market for now. But, because of large sation is an independent news and views annual export growth over five years volumes from competing countries, sales source. Its reporting is based on academic should create 100,000 new jobs. However, are not easy there either. South African research. And it is supported by the Uni- this expansion would have to be focused avocado growers are therefore eagerly versity of Johannesburg. With 3,6 million on sales in East and South Asian growth awaiting the conclusion of talks on entry tons, South Africa exported 21.5% more markets. These are markets like China, to the Chinese market. Discussions are fruit in 2020 than in 2016. Yet, it is mainly Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, and India. also underway for stone fruit and bluethe citrus category that has been able to And on labor-intensive crops such as, for berries. It is, however, a lengthy, uncercapitalize on growth opportunities. instance, avocados. One of the hurdles in tain admission process. After more than

L

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Citrus

five years of negotiations, pears were on to reduced exports to Europe? Businessthe verge of being admitted to the Chinese wire reports that, over the last decade, market. That was, until COVID-19 upend- top and stone fruit and citrus have become ed those plans. high-value crops. So, many new growers are entering the market with the goal of ASIA AND THE GULF STATES exporting. That also increases supply. For Nevertheless, exports from South Africa to example, farmers have planted a lot of countries in Asia and the Middle East are citrus trees in recent years. So much that on the rise. Recently, the country gained even if the citrus exports share to Europe market access to export citrus to the Phil- declines, the volume could remain the ippines. That was after 12 years of negoti- same. ations. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is South Africa's fourth-largest trading part- Aspects such as proximity to Europe and ner. It follows the Netherlands, the United the exchange rate can affect products' Kingdom, and Russia. In 2020, the UAE export destinations too. For instance, took 239,500 tons of fruit, reports Fruit South African grapes have always been & Vegetable Facts. China is South Africa's heavily marketed in the UK and EU marfifth-largest trading partner, importing kets. And, in recent months, the Euro154,000 tons of its fruit in 2020. Though, Rand exchange rate has been more stathat was about a quarter less than in 2019. ble than the Dollar-Rand exchange. That Exports to Bangladesh were still 59,656 could make trading with Europe more tons in 2016. With a volume of 126,000 attractive. tons, this had indeed increased by 2020.

As did exports to India, that took 28,000 SPREAD tons in 2020. That is almost twice as much John Giles is Promar International's Agrias five years earlier.

Food division director. He advises farmers, food companies, and retailers. He tells DEVELOPING FreshPlaza that, in the short term, much South Africa is focusing much more on will depend on how quickly Asian markets developing new markets. Could that lead can recover from COVID-19's devastation.

That is, compared to other markets, like the UK. "In the longer term, there's still clearly potential in Asia. However, changing markets takes time, careful consideration, and planning. South Africa has, for example, been sending fruit to the UK for 100 years and more. Why would you want to turn your back on that?"

Jan Rozema works for SFI Rotterdam, which deals with fruit imports in the Netherlands. He does not think South Africa’s increasing focus on new markets will immediately lead to pressure on the European market either. "You don't want to depend too much on certain markets.

You always want a balance. The increased planting of late mandarins and lemons means they need a good sales spread too.

Also, I think Europe will always remain an important market for South Africa.

But, they'll keep developing towards other markets," Jan concludes.  Sources: CBI, theconversation.com, fruitandvegetablefacts, businesswire, freshplaza. com, agf.nl

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

Advertorial

“Rien van Beek: “Space in the market for cool storage at trading centre”

R&M Forwarding to build state-ofthe-art cold store in the Netherlands R&M Forwarding is going to build a new cold store on the Nieuw-Reijerwaard business park in the Netherlands. Construction has already started. The warehouse should be mostly completed in June 2022. About 15,000 m2 will be built on the three hectares of land.

"We're running out of space in our old locations. So, we're looking forward to settling into this new state-of-the-art building. The building will have two floors.

A few of our clients will be using some of the new office space," says Managing Director Rien van Beek. For now, the company will keep its current premises in Ridderkerk.

"Soon we can offer not only storage and transshipment. We'll have the entire service package the fruit trade needs. That ranges from repackaging, packing, small packs, and netting to ripening, cooling, storage, and transshipment. We'll soon have a cooling capacity of 10,000 pallets at our disposal. We'll be using an ammonia-based, environmentally-friendly cooling system. We have the option of fast cooling and deep cooling. We're going to ripen avocados and mangoes too.

And we'll be able to store bananas."

In this new premises, R&M Forwarding will be entering into a strategic partnership with Looije Packing & IQ Packing. "We’re going to build a special 3.500m2 floor for each. It will be used for packing and repacking. It will include a new citrus washing line. Then we can meet large shipment demands. These usually come from South America and South Africa. We're also going to have a complete packaging line for blueberries. We'll pack those from bulk into all kinds of packaging for European supermarkets," says Rien.

"Everything will be geared toward quick loading and unloading, as is demanded by our sector. That means we'll work with drive-in racks, which will store pallets at a maximum of three-high. We're also going to provide large pre-cooling areas and enough loading docks. We have all the necessary certifications like AEO and IFS. So, we can completely unburden our clients. That will allow them to concentrate on their own line of business."

"The Dutch Fresh Port [in Nieuw-Reijerwaard] is the largest agri/fresh/food cluster in the Netherlands. So, it was an easy choice. Many of our clients are located in the vicinity. And the location is in a great spot, logistically. It's in the central part of the Netherlands and close to the Port of Rotterdam. It's conveniently located near three major highways, too," concludes Rien.

R&M Forwarding | Handelsweg 120 | 2988 DC Ridderkerk | The Netherlands T. +31(0)10-2444040 | F. +31(0)10-4766530 | info@rmforwarding.com | www.rmforwarding.com AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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Topfruit

Better weather conditions lead to larger harvest of Polish apples The 2021/2022 apple season in Poland kicked off in the second week of September and multiple Polish apple exporters agree; the harvest will be significantly larger this year. One goes as far as to state there will be three times the volume available compared to the previous year. As production in Europe is slightly down overall, demand is expected to be solid for the season, while prices will be lower, benefiting the companies that export to the African and Asian markets as well.

O

ne of the Polish apple exporters, Fruit- completely destroyed specific orchards in -Group, expects there will be diver- Poland. Other orchards had to deal with sity in terms of the quality of apples this frosts, which destroyed the main, stronger year, due to the various challenges with buds of the trees.” the weather this year, says office manager Emilia Lewandowska: “We expect to start Although the production area of apples is harvesting Gala Royal apples around the still growing, the growth has gone slower.

10th of September, which is creeping clo- Instead, people are trying to grow other se really fast! Compared to the previous kinds of fruits, Lewandowska states. “The two years, the harvested volumes will be overall cultivation area of apples is going higher this season. There is a large diver- up slightly in Poland. However, we do see sity in terms of quality though, as some more producers that are part of our group areas did experience some hail, which starting to invest in other fruits as well.

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

They’re exploring the markets of cherries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries rather than focusing solely on the apples.”

Fruit-Group has had experience dealing with the Spanish market, but Lewandoska feels the market isn’t as stable when it comes to exported volumes: “Spain is a market we’ve cooperated with already.

It’s quite an interesting market for sure, however the quantity of apples we can export there has been unstable in nature.

For example, in 2019 Spain had the highest production of apples in their own region, hence demand for imported apples was significantly lower during that season.

However, as Fruit-Group we’re always willing and ready to meet with Spanish clients.”

Lewandowska states that the Polish exporter will be focusing more on Asian markets this year: “For the upcoming season, we think India will be the most important market for our company. Viet-

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Topfruit

nam and the United Arab Emirates will also be solid markets for us. We’re still committed to our European clients, of course. Which is why we’ll be attending Fruit Attraction again this year, our booth will be in the Polish pavilion.”

poor pollination this season. However, this variety will come in sufficient volumes to serve our customers.”

production for programs with European retailers to cover the promos and regular European demand.”

Since Europe will not produce as much Portugal is already one of the markets as usual, Nowakowski believes there will that Nowakowski is familiar with, and be good demand in the European coun- he would like to expand into the Spanish Jan Nowakowski is the manager for Gen- tries. As the prices will be lower due to market this year as well: “Genesis Fresh esis Fresh, and he thinks the Gala variety good Polish volumes, there will also be has had experience in dealing with the will be the most affected by the damages more opportunities in the African and Spanish neighbors, the Portuguese. In the caused by the weather, but overall vol- Asian markets, he states. “In terms of upcoming season we’re expanding our umes shouldn’t be impacted: “We’ll start demand, due to a lower apple volume in interest in the Spanish territory itself as our new apple season in the middle of Europe overall and an increased interest well. The Spanish have successfully purSeptember, with Gala being the first vari- for fruits ever since the Covid pandemic, chased Polish apples in the past, so there’s ety. From what I’ve inspected, the crop we expect to see solid demand for Polish precedent to work with. Since the Polish looks very good and firm. We did have a apples this year. Since we’re also expect- will have both sufficient volumes as well long winter, which caused some damage ing an increase in production, prices as the required quality, the Spanish marto the trees, especially for the Gala variety. should still be lower than they were last ket could prove very interesting for Polish In turn, the spring was rather mild, as no season, which again will incentivize buy- apple exports in general this year.” frost affected the flowering in May, hence ers to choose Polish apples, as price is a I expect volumes to be satisfactory. Some very sensitive factor in the decision to “However, we focus on other European regions did experience some hail, but this purchase in certain markets. For instance, countries as well. This company is now shouldn’t harm the volumes or quality in if the price is right, African countries will present in eleven European countries and a meaningful way. On top of this, Jonagold purchase very high volumes of fruit from expect to enter three more during the volumes will be reduced as we’ve seen Poland. Naturally we’ve also secured the upcoming season. Europe has been and

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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will remain our main market were affected by the hail, but when it comes to apples. On top this was only a regional issue. of that, we do shipments to both When looking at the varieties African and Asian countries as that are currently doing realwell, as we have done for a cou- ly well in the orchards, we can ple of years now. We’ll be visit- name Gala, Golden and Idared, ing Fruit Attraction this year, in while the struggling variety is search of new opportunities as the Jonagold variety.” well as meeting the clients who we have dearly missed over the Last year had some quality past 18 months.” Nowakowski isssues and Marawan is cerconcludes. tain they’ll encounter similar problems in the upcoming seaMohamed Marawan, owner of son. “Last season quality was Sarafruit, feels the harvest will an issue, especially later in the be three times as big as it was season and I expect this sealast year, which is a significant son will be similar. The summer increase: “When looking at the made it very hard to protect volumes specifically, I expect the the apple and the hail will have harvest will be three times the turned some of the crop into size it was last year. The weath- second class apples. In generer was really good during the al, this won’t be a huge issue as time of flowering, and tempera- producers have done their best tures did not cause apples to to secure and protect the best drop from the trees this season. apples.”  Despite the challenges we had, the weather has actually been really good in comparison to last year. As I stated, some areas

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Brexit

Full effects of Brexit are only starting to be felt in the UK

Brexit finally came into being on January 31st 2020, three and half years after the 2016 referendum when just over 51% of the UK’s population voted to leave the European Union.

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any of the consequences are only the date of implementation for a number becoming apparent now, this is part- of reasons, one which is pressure from ly down to the Covid pandemic which dis- organisations such as the Fresh Produce rupted normal trade and lifestyle patterns Consortium who want to ensure that the of consumers. Also, many of the regulati- relevant information is available to the ons didn’t come into force straight away various parties so the industry can preand some of the major ones are still to be pare before the full controls are impleimplemented. mented.

This information will have to be given through the UK’s government’s import system IPATH.

“To put this in context we have estimated that there will be 1.5 million European phytosanitary declarations a year. We have also requested rather that the current requirement of having hard copies of the documentation, that both the UK and the EU to develop systems which accept E-phyto, an internationally recognised process of sharing phytosanitary certificates,” explains Nigel Jenny CEO of FPC. “It is imperative that that agreement and that system are in place well before 1st January.”

At the moment any goods entering the Those importing at the moment with all EU from the UK are subject to full border of the necessary documentation will still checks, but goods coming into the UK have have a lot more do from 1st January when not been subject to full controls as yet, plant health regulations will also come although there is the requirement to make into force, this is not only for plants etc. The border controls which will start on customs declarations, with an option to but also for fruit. vegetables and flowers. 1 January are only for documentation, delay those for six months. This howev- This will be a substantial change in terms the physical checks will not start until er, is set to change on January 31st 2021. of the information importers have to pro- 1st March. This will be on a 1-3% level of There have been a number of changes to vide at the moment. inspection of European produce arriving AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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Brexit

in the UK. This is based on the UK governments assessment of the biosecurity risk.

anywhere between 100 and 400 different Currently there are two types temporary products in each vehicle. We would like of workers in the UK: those on the resetassurances on how the UK government tlement scheme and those with seasonal “Whilst we would want to support any- will interpret groupage and how it will worker visas. Of those people who have thing that was appropriate to biosecuri- minimise the delays on those vehicles settled status a percentage have gone ty we are extremely concerned about the which are stopped.” home and if they miss the deadline to subsequent impact on the ‘just in time’ reapply, they don’t get back so that pool of seamless supply chains that we currently LABOUR SHORTAGE people is decreasing. enjoy between Europe and the UK. Around The shortage of labour in the UK is acute, 70% of all vehicles are groupage with a growers are having to leave crops unhar- There are 30,000 people on the visa pilot range of products from a range of sources vested due to lack of pickers. A last-minute scheme but it is thought that to have a going to a range of different places in the Seasonal Worker Pilot visa scheme was steady supply of labour there needs to be UK, with evaluation that we have done put in place, but growers say this is not around 100,000 people with visas. with various wholesalers, that could be enough

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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the harvest. At the moment it is only a pilot THE ENGLISH LAND-BRIDGE scheme with no guarantee from govern- Brexit has had a massive affect on how ment that it will stay in place for next year goods are transported to Ireland, in the or how many visas will be issued. This past most European fresh produce desmakes planning crops for next year very tined for Ireland came into the south of difficult for growers.

England and was taken over ‘the landbridge’ then via ferry to Dublin. This is no DRIVER SHORTAGES longer the case as the delays and unpreThe HGV driver shortage is already causing dictability at the ports have made it unvimassive problems across the board, with able. Produce is shipped directly from empty supermarket shelves and major northern European ports. Growers and restaurant chains having to either close or wholesalers in Ireland frequently sourced stop offering certain items because they fresh produce from UK growers to suppleare not available. Smaller restaurants ment their own crop or to fill orders, this have limited opening hours due to lack of is no longer possible. Quite often it is eassupplies and staff. ier to get British product via a European supplier. It also makes it challenging for A recent survey published by Haulage importers of niche or specialist products Exchange found that the increased wait- some of whom say it is just not worth the The Seasonal Workers visa, while wel- ing times at borders and time spent on extra cost.  comed by the industry is limited as it is additional admin have been the biggest only available to farm workers, not the impacts from Brexit for the haulage induswhole supply chain and if one part of the try. They have also seen a huge increase in supply chain fails then so does the rest. demand. 19% percent no longer do busiWorkers on the scheme can come back for ness with European countries and 69% three consecutive years but can only work expect to be negatively affected by the full in the UK for a limited time. Most growers border controls on January 1st 2021 (The are extending their seasons and also need survey was carried out across the haulage labour for husbandry jobs before and after industry not just fresh produce suppliers).

“If the current labour situation continues people who grow labour intensive crops will have to stop. If the British government want British veg on the shelves, they need to show some support for growers by providing seasonal labour to harvest and process it. They know about the problem but are not addressing it, they are burying their heads in the sand, showing a total disregard for the problems which growers face, we are being sold down the river. There are currently hundreds of acres going unharvested due the lack of labour, ironically we are getting calls from Europeans who want to come and work but can’t as they don’t have settlement status,” stated Greville Richards, Managing Director at Southern England Farms.

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Logistics

Fruit and vegetable transportation is finding its way to the railroads Relatively few fruits and vegetables are currently transported by rail. "That's a missed opportunity," says Fred Lessing, Director of Intermodal Solutions at FFWD Fresh Rail in the Netherlands. "After all, rail transportation can be faster than trucking by road, and costs need not be higher." Fred used to work for Euro Pool System (EPS). There he contributed to an efficient, sustainable rail link. It can transport fruit and vegetables between Valencia, Spain and Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. It's known as Coolrail - the first direct rail link that enables the rail transport of fresh produce.

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ark Remie is FFWD Fresh Rail's managing director. He's been working in the rail sector for more than 15 years. Three years ago, he sold his company, Rail Innovators Group. He wanted to focus on the fruit and vegetable sector.

"Rail is currently rarely considered for fruit and vegetable transportation. That's because road transport strongly influences the sector's trade planning. That's considered a more flexible form of transport," says Mark.

FFWD Fresh Rail wants to bring the fresh market to the rails. It wants to connect the Benelux, Eastern Europe, and Scandinavia.

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

ers. And this summer, we hope to start the service to Scandinavia. The market wants to solve the issue of driver shortage and increasing ageing of drivers too. Rail transport is the answer," continues Mark.

DOOR-TO-DOOR TRANSPORTATION "You can't exclude trucks from the supply chain. Trucking companies currently control supply chains and don't consider the railways. A door-to-door service is a must and, then, truck transportation can't be excluded. There are rail connections, but VOLUMES these are often not yet efficient. We want To bring about change, volumes are of to optimize and intensify these connecgreat importance. The Coolrail project tions in those places where they're already now has many participating parties. That good. Rotterdam is the ideal hub for this. It makes rail transport a serious competitor already has good connections and cooling to truck transport. "We're considering facilities," Fred concludes. how we can be a Coolrail extension. If this gets off to a good start, cost prices will fall, INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION ON and no one will be able to beat us. Then THE NEW SILK ROAD rail transportation will become cheaper The Chinese government has investthan by truck alone.” ed hundreds of billions in developing a new trade route to Western Europe. This “It's also 90% less polluting. We're already route takes its name from the shiny mateworking with many parties. Coop Scandi- rial that sparked trade between China navia recently gave us the nod and is going and Europe. The new Silk Road is a douto partner with us. We have the contain- ble-track network of 10,000 to 12,000

kilometers, stretching from Beijing to the ports of Rotterdam.

WUR and various interested parties are developing this container. It will be suited to intermodal fruit and vegetable railway “The project is officially called the Belt transport on the new Silk Road route to and Road initiative. It's a huge push from China. It takes 17 days to transport goods China to improve rail connections with to and from Western Europe and China on Europe. At the moment, almost no tem- this new route. Sea transport between 35 perature-sensitive transportation is done and 37 days. So, it's a good alternative. It's over that route. But developing a new reef- considerably faster than sea transport and er container will change that," says Leo cheaper and less polluting than air freight.

Lukasse, a post-harvest technology expert at Wageningen University & Research COLLABORATION (WUR) in the Netherlands.

WUR works closely with various entities in this project. These include not only

Unit 45 (Dutch intermodal innovators) and Thermo King (global leader in transport refrigeration and heating). But also H. Essers (European transport and logistics solutions company). And Anthos, the Dutch trade tree nursery and bulb products trade association. This Public-Private Partnership's participants share costs and know-how. That’s so they can jointly arrive at the development of a new, better reefer.

It must be suited to transporting fruit and vegetables, among other things. And it

FL@ffwdfreshrail.com ffwdfreshrail.com

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Logistics

ture distribution. Proper airflow distribution is essential in achieving a uniform temperature within the reefer." That's why airlocks that distribute the inner air have been installed in the new reefer containers.

NEW COOLING SYSTEM Another challenge in developing a cooling system is to do so in a way that enables long haul transportation. In maritime transport, containers have electric cooling systems that you connect to the ship's network.

Trains have diesel engines.

Thermo King, an originally American organization, specializing in refrigeration systems development. Their contribution to the project has been twofold.

must perfectly preserve the goods' quali- mous challenge. But outside temperatures ty. That's thanks to improved climate con- along the Silk Road can vary from -40°C trol. This sub-project is part of the larger to +40°C. Then anything's possible during 'Fresh on Demand project', which focuses transportation." on improving fruit and vegetable chains' To develop a greener diesel engine that quality. The TKI Horticulture & Starting The WUR focuses primarily on improving runs on HVO diesel. This is a sustainMaterials Foundation (Ministry of Eco- this temperature uniformity. That's by able diesel fuel. That’s based on hydronomic Affairs) supports this project under using climate chamber tests and modeling. gen-treated vegetable oils, fats, and residTKI number TU18098.

They, subsequently, give advice. Three ual waste like animal fats. And, the engine things are important here: insulation, air can run for longer. That makes it suitTHE CHALLENGES OF DEVELOPING A circulation capacity, and air distribution able for long journeys without the need NEW REEFER CONTAINER in the container. The reefer has to be well to constantly refuel. "The train runs on "The initial focus is on products like flower insulated to minimize the cargo's tem- electricity, and the reefer runs on 'green' bulbs, onions, and bell peppers," says Leo. perature sensitivity to extreme outside diesel. That makes rail transport not only "But if transporting these products can temperatures. And sufficient air circula- a financially interesting alternative. It's be realized, then transporting just about tion capacity is needed to reduce inflow/ also a sustainable one with a significantly anything fruit and vegetable-related is return temperature differences. smaller environmental impact," concludes possible. In China, there's a great demand ThermoKing's Alain van Schaik.  for, for example, lily bulbs. These are "We need to end up with an air distribution mr@ffwdfreshrail.com extremely sensitive to temperature fluc- system where it no longer matters how a leo.lukasse@wur.nl tuations. During transportation, the tem- reefer is loaded," says Leo. "Container alain.vanschaik@thermoking.com perature has to remain in a three-degree content currently always affects the air Celsius range. That, in itself, is an enor- distribution. And, therefore, the tempera-

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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together towards a circular supply chain

Promotion

Fifty years of promoting fruit and vegetables It's the CBI's 50th anniversary. In 1971, the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) was established. That was by Bé Udink, the then Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation. Now it's better known internationally as the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries or CBI. This center has advised and helped numerous fruit, and vegetable exporters worldwide enter the European market.

Dirk-Jan Zegelaar

An idea developed back then. What if, via work is done on the necessary certifica- the Minister of Foreign Trade and Devellower import tariffs, companies in devel- tions. An export strategy and products' opment Cooperation's responsibility. The oping countries could get preferential consistent quality are also developed. CBI, , in consultation with the Ministry, spots in international markets? This idea Then we help them enter the market. The determines in which developing countries came from the United Nations Conference CBI often has stands at Fruit Logistica in to launch projects. Dirk-Jan is seeing a shift on Trade and Development and GATT. Berlin. We do so in cooperation with part- from Latin America and Asia to Africa and The current World Trade Organization ner countries' business support organi- the Middle East. "All developing countries replaced GATT. In the Netherlands, this zations. The program participants then were on the list in the 70s. Now there are led to the CBI being established. The CBI take part as exhibitors," explains Dirk-Jan about 30. It's good to focus. The condition gives companies in developing countries Zegelaar. The senior program manager is always that there must be potential. Are practical advice. That's on, for example, has worked for the CBI for 13 years. He's there export opportunities for the prodregulations and importer requirements. an account manager for the fresh fruit and ucts grown in that country?"

Those companies can participate in a four- vegetable projects.

CERTIFICATES year-long CBI coaching project.

In the early years, the CBI was focused on OTHER REGIONS "Firstly, the CBI supports companies in The CBI operates on behalf of the Dutch promoting and connecting exporters and meeting market demands. For instance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It falls under importers. Its focus expanded to include 58

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

Consultants Many Dutch and local consultants are affiliated with CBI projects. One of them is Piet Schotel, who has advised some 120 companies since 2006. "Former participants are always coming to say hello at Fruit Logistica. Some don't make it, but others become some of the biggest exporters in their region. I ran into someone in Colombia once and thought, 'I think I know you.'

It turned out to be a former participant who's now a big avocado exporter. He caught my eye then because he asked such good questions during the workshops."

Piet Schotel

There have been some nice successes in recent years. "In Peru, several companies that showed potential have grown into large exporters. And in Colombia, the CBI helped raise awareness of the importance of having a strong local organization. That led to companies forming Procolombia. These businesses might have gotten there without us. But with avocado exports, we were able to make a particularly significant contribution."

According to Piet, the CBI works because there's always a need for market knowledge. This will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. "New exporters see how high prices are in European supermarkets. Then it helps to have someone explain how that happens. And who can advise you on how to export to Europe." A company has to have good standing to be able to participate in one of the programs. "The requirements and conditions have become stricter in recent years. Years ago, the development of exotics was still in its infancy. Then, small exporters had many opportunities.”

“Now there are many more things to consider.

Not just in terms of certificates and corporate social responsibility. Perhaps in the early years, the CBI still had a somewhat idealistic character.

Now the approach has become much more pragmatic. If people get sufficient assistance, anyone can export to Europe. But that doesn't make you an entrepreneur. There's a difference between a real entrepreneur and someone who only dreams about it. Good companies absorb the information they're given and get on with it" Piet says.

Arno van der Maden did his first CBI project in Central America in 2004. "Back then, CBI worked

almost exclusively with Dutch consultants from the Netherlands. I was one of the first locally stationed consultants," he recalls. "I visited the participants to follow up on the different program components. And together with the CBI consultant Maarten van Woerden I provided HRM training for senior and middle management. Speaking the same language and living in the same time zone was an advantage. Later, the CBI started working more with local consultants in several countries."

Arno still has close contact with some former participants, less so with others. "During company visits and at trade fairs, you get to know the participants well, and you build a bond. It's probably most similar to the relationship you have with former classmates."

Arno is currently working on the Connecting Central America program. That's being run in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama. "Sadly, Latin America is no longer a focus region for the CBI and [the Dutch Department of] Foreign Affairs. There are still plenty of opportunities to enter new markets with Central and South American products. And also to introduce new products to the region." He mentions Hass avocado from Colombia and Guatemala as examples. Or products like papaya, blackberries, and blueberries. Despite there being no more projects, companies in Latin America can still use the practical market information that the CBI publishes.

Arno thinks CBI's specific role lies in assisting companies in participating in European trade shows. "Without the center's guidance, these companies wouldn't be able to travel to Europe so easily. Or participate in a trade show like Fruit Logistica. The CBI doesn't provide subsidies; it transfers knowledge and experience by guiding and training participants. However, it's up to the participants to use this successfully. There's often more to exporting to Europe than people think. And it's nice to have someone who observes and thinks along with you. Doors also open for CBI representatives, and you can get private and public organizations around the same table to tackle certain issues."

Jos Leeters did various CBI projects from 2003 to 2016. He, too, always sees familiar faces at trade fairs. "When I walk through the country's pavilions at Fruit Logistica, I always see people I know. The world's a vast place, yet sometimes it's also quite small. It's great that the CBI doesn't trade itself but plays a big role as a connector."

os Leeters y Jan Willem Richelmann

in particular countries, there's always a phase of sector and market exploration and mapping. Jos would do that preliminary research. Yet, he finds contact with participants remains with him the most. "I love working with companies one-on-one. It's very beneficial. I help them progress very practically. Each company has its own style and history, and I enjoy delving into that."

He describes his first company audit. "The company manager picked me up in Guatemala. We drove to a waiting helicopter. This can't be right, I immediately thought. A company with a helicopter needs help from the Netherlands? The country's infrastructure is so poor that it wasn't so strange, in itself, that they had a helicopter.

Despite my initial doubts, the CBI selected that company. I saw it had the potential to create many jobs and become a good European supplier. Since that first audit, I've gained a much more nuanced view of the conditions in which these companies operate. I've learned not to judge too quickly. That has really enriched my knowledge of how people work there and the constraints they face," says Jos. Like Dirk-Jan, Jos thinks there are opportunities in the organic sector. “It's not only a niche but also a growing market. There's increasing interest in products with a story. It's no coincidence that CBI consultants are highlighting themes like people and the environment among exporters.

I think there could be further cooperation with importers in the Netherlands and Europe. That cooperation is already good, but importers' interests and wishes could be brought to the fore even more strongly. Then, we can design programs in developing countries that perfectly match importers' demands and needs, and by extension those of supermarkets and consumers."

Jos began an ornamental horticulture project in Central America in 2003. Programs in Zambia, Uganda, Mali, Senegal, Kenya, Jordan, and Lebanon followed. He now works for IPD, a German organization that works a lot with the CBI. In the early years, he coached companies, helping them gain export knowledge. He also accompanied them to trade fairs. That role changed in later years. Before starting programs

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Promotion

technical assistance, marketing advice, sibilities. We share things like up-to-date and later certification. That started with market information. The CBI has been food safety and corporate social respon- developing this for years. We make it freesibility, and organic certification followed. ly available to the target group."

"It's not only the laws and regulations that have changed. The market's current FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY demands are different from 50 years ago. The CBI's working method has continuIt's up to us to explain why those stan- ously evolved over the past half-century. dards are there and help companies meet But SMEs remain its target group. "Yet them. We aren't able to remove every sin- the focus has shifted. In the early years, it gle barrier, but we can highlight the pos- was all about export. In our new strategy,

the transition to sustainable and inclusive growth is central. Of course, export is still an important means to that end. But, in doing so, we try to facilitate both social and environmental improvements." DirkJan cites a project in Ethiopia as an example. There, the goal is to bring products to Europe by train and ship, rather than by air.

Former participants Over the past 50 years, countless companies have taken part in the CBI programs. Some of the participants share their memories of that.

Theophilus Kenneth Hayford is president of Ghana Yam Producers and Exporters Association. He took part in a CBI program from 2012 to 2017. Theophilus was at a national exporters meeting in Ghana when he heard about this coaching program that the center planned to roll out in the country. He applied and was selected. "Participation in Fruit Logistica gained our company some good international buyers to whom we export our products. The CBI has meant a lot to my organization and me."

"Through them, I traveled to the Netherlands and Germany for the first time. And I gained insight into how fruit and vegetable companies operate and function in Europe. Actually, CBI opened my eyes to the rest of the world. It has broadened my fruit and vegetable sector knowledge. In Ghana and many other countries, the CBI's programs are leading to increased economic development through increased export earnings. That, in turn, improves living conditions in rural communities," explains Theophilus.

Longer ago - he reckons about ten years grape producer Fundo Sacramento's Rodolfo Pacheco took part in a program in Peru. "The CBI's contributed much to South American companies' development and improvement.

That's in many aspects of international trade and other business factors of business. We participated in Fruit Logistica as a 'fruitful experience. That helped open our minds

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to the world. It also helped some of our At AGF Totaal in 1991, Gloria met fellow employees prepare themselves professional- exporters from developing countries. She's ly," he says. still in touch with some of them. "Even though we came from five different contiGloria Polanco has fond memories of 1990. nents, it was great to exchange experiences.

She, and her company, Frutesa, took part in We discovered that we had many common a CBI program in Guatemala. "Frutesa had challenges and that we could find solutions been exporting to Europe since 1983, but we together." From then until 2003, she and had limited knowledge of the market. The Frutesa traveled to the Netherlands every CBI aims to encourage imports from deveyear for AGF Totaal. Except for 2001, when loping countries and help us professionalize many flights were canceled after 9/11.

our exports more. That's contrary to most international trade organizations that promote exports from their countries. Publications, such as the current market information, have always been a valuable tool."

Since participating in the program, the company, which supplies products like beans and avocados, has seen tremendous development. "We're still a small company by global standards. But, in Guatemala, we provide a livelihood for many small growers.

They grow for us on a contract basis. So, we, directly and indirectly, create hundreds of jobs," Gloria says.

"September in Rotterdam is a sight better than February in Berlin. Despite that, Fruit Logistica has replaced AGF Totaal as the preeminent trade show to meet others in the fruit and vegetable sector. By the time the CBI was helping exporters participate in Fruit Logistica, Frutesa was already well established in the European market," Polanco continues. "They no longer supported us. Not until we decided to explore the specialty coffee market in 2001. Then we received several training courses again and traveled to Germany for a seminar in 2013. Dick de Man, the CBI's deputy director, whom we knew from our previous programs, came to see us there."

Gloria easily names consultants like Jan Bunnik, Arie Noorland, and Piet Schotel.

"I remember Jan well. He often visited my home when he was in Guatemala. And I visited him in the Netherlands when he was terminally ill. The CBI consultants are all very nice, very helpful people," she concludes.

Arno van der Maden

"Ultimately, we're working to combat poverty. Exports are a means to achieve sustainable economic development in those countries. If it's solely about a company's profits, the employees and the local environment don't benefit. Then we're overshooting our goal. That's why we talk to

businesses about working conditions. We vant? According to Dirk-Jan, the opportudiscuss staff training as well as the han- nities no longer lie so much in introducing dling of chemicals. And whether there are new products to the European market. good sanitary facilities. In this way, we "Importers have a large supply, and it's in help employees." good order. The challenge now is to deliver out of season. If you can reliably deliv"We've also moved towards a systems er quality out of season, you stand a good approach. We no longer focus solely on chance." exporters but also work with growers' associations, local governments, trade There are also opportunities for organassociations, banks, and NGOs. We look at ic farmers. "That could prove an attracthe whole system, from grower to govern- tive niche for our suppliers. The fruit and ment. How does it work, and how can we vegetable sector is focused on low prices. improve things. Suppose there’s no labora- Consumers want products at the lowtory somewhere to test MRLs, then a com- est possible price. However, the CBI also pany can't solve that individually. They helps companies consider people and the need to work with other parties," Dirk-Jan environment. Fortunately, there's also an explains. increasing market demand for fair trade and organic products. That offers our OPPORTUNITIES IN A SATURATED exporters even more opportunities. We MARKET like getting in touch with importers who People buying fruit and vegetables 50 are looking for reliable suppliers from years ago had nowhere near the choice developing countries," Dirk-Jan concludes. modern consumers now have at super-  markets. The market seems saturated. Is there a ceiling to possibilities in the international fruit and vegetable market? And how long will the CBI's work remain rele-

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The Netherlands

Dutch farmers and business organizations optimistic about future fruit and vegetable production in that country Richard Schouten believes that fruit and vegetables have the wind in their favor

Innovative capacity, infrastructure, healthy food opportunities play a role but increasing costs, market forced, and pesticides need attention

I

is increasingly emphasizing sustainable production. The Netherlands is leading the way in that," says Richard. According to him, that's mainly thanks to the integral aspect of sustainability the country is pursuing. "Single issues don't garner all the attention. It's given to all sustainability issues regarding the environment and social issues."

n the Netherlands, there is much to do table products. That means fruit and vegearound fruit and vegetable production. table cultivation simply must remain." He Labor costs are rising, and production thinks the European Commission's Green and seasonal staff have to come from ever Deal will influence how European producfurther afield. And for top fruit and toma- tion and imports are dealt with. toes, for example, production and competition are increasing. That is in places in "There will be policy frameworks encour- It's vital, too, to make the sustainability Poland, the Caucasus, and Morocco. Regu- aging sourcing local produce." That could effort transparent. That can be achieved latory pressure and environmental issues offer prospects for local sales. These are by, for example, the HortiFootprint tool. are also intensifying. With all this head- for Dutch products that are available Various fruit and vegetable sector parties wind, does fruit and vegetable producti- year-round or for much of the year. These developed this. "It gives a picture of the on still have a place in the Netherlands in include greenhouse horticulture crops, chain footprint so producers can comthe future? This is what PRIMEUR asked top and soft fruit, and open field vegeta- pare things. That will play an increasingRichard Schouten of GroentenFruit Huis bles. For several products, imports will ly important role in the future." That is and Sjaak van der Tak of LTO Nederland. be unavoidable. But, except for tropical equally true for exports outside Europe. fruit, these will come mainly from Europe. "We're able to produce and deliver severBACK WIND "Stores will carry mostly Dutch products al products sustainably, even outside a Richard Schouten is GroentenFruit Huis’s and a few European imports. Some prod- roughly 850km radius. These are proddirector. This organization represents ucts will be tropical fruits that come from ucts like onions and top fruit." Richard the interests of fruit and vegetable mar- all over the world." believes it's crucial to emphasize quality keting companies. Richard does not conand distinctiveness in assortment, packsider things to be quite so gloomy. "We EXPORT POSITION aging, flavor, or presentation. have the wind at our back. European and Much of the fruit and vegetables currentDutch policymakers view fruit and vege- ly being produced in the Netherlands find COSTS tables positively. It's received much posi- their way to consumers via exports. Does Increasing costs regularly raise concerns tive attention. These products fit in with a this have a future? "Most of the exports in the fruit and vegetable sector. These healthy lifestyle that includes more vege- happen within Europe. The Green Deal are particularly about labor costs and

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staff availability. Richard considers automation as a partial solution to that problem. "In the coming years, farmers will work more and more with precision agriculture and drones. And, perhaps, harvesting and other auxiliary robots." This could reduce the need for personnel, but he says workers will always be needed.

"The Netherlands isn't in a bad position as an employer. Employers generally provide good housing and working conditions and appropriate remuneration. So, last year, the Netherlands, unlike other countries, had sufficient harvest and production personnel available. That was during the COVID-19 pandemic," he explains.

Richard admits that production costs are high. Nevertheless, he does not think production will disappear from the Netherlands. Especially since the Netherlands is a knowledge industry for which practical experience is a requirement. "If you don't have a 'trial lot' in the Netherlands, it's difficult to acquire or sell knowledge."

He does not believe the Netherlands' sole future role will be a niche goods producer.

"The Netherlands excels at agriculture and horticulture. It's good at high-quality production and certain cultivation methods.

And the country is fertile. Other countries are good in other things like industry or chemicals."

Sjaak van der Tak is optimistic about the future of fruit and vegetable production in the Netherlands

position that you only get by combining ranges. I don't think there's a chance of the Netherlands losing its broad assortment.

Not in the short term," Richard concludes.

They, and the Netherlands Financial Markets Authority (ACM), want to identify what scope there is to shape the market differently. "To strengthen the domestic market, we're considering possibilities to organize that market power better. I think, politically, the Netherlands should gain and offer more space for that."

NOTHING BUT POSITIVE Sjaak van der Tak is LTO Nederland's chairman. This is a business association for Dutch farmers and horticulturists. He, too, certainly does not see fruit and vege- PREMIUM QUALITY table production leaving the Netherlands. According to Sjaak, there has been a shift in INFRASTRUCTURE "I'm downright positive about that." For mentality in market conditions. The retail Dutch fruit and vegetable cultivation has Sjaak, sustainability is the most signifi- sector is increasingly focusing on Dutchanother advantage - the country's infra- cant undertaking in this regard. He thinks grown fruit and vegetables. He argues that structure and strong logistics sector. Dutch growers' ability to innovate will it is inevitable that these products' prices "Many products from all over the world play a major role, too. "It's thanks to this will climb. "Since these are premium qualenter Dutch ports. These can be distrib- forward-thinking craftsmanship that the ity products, that's only logical,” Sjaak uted very quickly from the Netherlands Netherlands has a head start in this." says. “A few cents more won't put many to other countries. That's by companies consumers off." He says there are opporthat can add value. They can do ripening, He does, however, see a few issues that tunities for healthy food and organic prodput together a wide assortment, or deliver need attention. That is, should the Neth- ucts. But, he points out that many common just-in-time. The Netherlands supplies all erlands want to retain its leading position. products are also produced very sustainthe major European supermarkets with One of these is market power. LTO Neder- ably. He believes people should be able exactly what they want. That's a great land has launched an exploratory project. to choose, according to their needs, from

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The Netherlands

a variety of fruits and vegetables. These must be grown in different ways too.”

sustainability. Because then, unlike now, crop protection products, procedures prices include sustainability efforts. The must be shortened to a maximum of 1.5 Netherlands delivers top-quality fruit and years; not the current norm of five to six "These products can be available, side by vegetables in Europe. Eco-schemes should years. And products mustn't be abolished side, in supermarkets. Should we approach reward that which is produced." Sjaak also too quickly. Then, a more level playing it that way, I'm nothing but optimistic." believes more money is needed to shape field will be created in Europe too. That's Sjaak says no matter what, healthy food all the sustainability goals. "The Nether- compared to, for example, the United must remain a central topic of discussion. lands has a leading position. If we want to States." Though, Sjaak points out avoidEspecially as everyone slowly emerges keep that, we need money." ing using pesticides altogether does not from the COVID-19 pandemic. Income polalways have to be the goal. icies could be a guiding element in pursu- WORLD POPULATION ing a healthier lifestyle, he adds. "Income Sjaak considers sustainability import- "Sometimes a legal product, used a few policy-wise, we should reduce taxes on ant. Nevertheless, he's observed anoth- times, can be much more effective. That's the lowest wage bracket. Then people will er development for which policy should for a crop's sustainability and in combathave more disposable income." also be developed - the increasing global ting diseases and pests." The LTO presipopulation. "Within 30 years, the world dent also advocates directly tackling the INVESTMENT population will have grown to 10.5 billion crop protection issue at the political level.

Sjaak brings up financing sustainability people. Policy must be developed on this Here, he considers using genetic modificaas well. He says the EU's Common Agricul- in Europe. Then, people in the parts of the tion - to reduce using pesticides through tural Policy (CAP) funds should be utilized world where the population is increasing, improved resistance - as a logical step. more as in the past. Then it went to food can be fed." If the world is unable to feed "Europe must continue to lead the way and security and as income support. Groups everyone adequately, the LTO president be innovative. It cannot delay introducing must use it less, as is currently the case, to foresees instability and population move- these new techniques." Sjaak says, at the meet social needs. This could allow grow- ments. "This issue must be faced from a member state level, there is movement. ers to use some of their farms' income to European context, fed from the Nether- That is in the position on cisgenesis usage. invest in sustainability. "All kinds of par- lands. Exports help combat world hunger." "The Netherlands was initially relucties constantly want to use CAP to reach tant and even opposed. That seems to be social goals. That's understandable, but LEVEL PLAYING FIELD changing," he concludes.  CAP must serve its essential purpose.”

Protecting fruit and vegetable crops is info@groentenfruithuis.nl another issue, says Sjaak. "Legal substanccommunicatie@lto.nl “Then farmers can switch to sustainable es are continually being banned with no cultivation themselves. Assisting eco- biological replacements. Europe needs to schemes with income support achieves change its legislation in this respect drasthat. That's the biggest step towards tically. If farmers must use more organic 64

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Vegetables

Fernando P. Gómez, general director of Proexport:

“We should not speak of km zero, but of European km” mental benefits, but also additional costs that we all assume. We are also seeing a rise in the price of land. There is pressure to find good farmland, but this year there is an added component: in some areas, investments in renewable energy are generating some inflation of land prices, and there are even farms that were in horticultural production that are converting to photovoltaic production, although this transformation is occurring preferentially In fact, the sector, like so many others, is in rainfed farms. It may not be an element no stranger to the price increases of many bringing significant change, but it is a new inputs, which is taking a toll on their prof- element that will come into play," he says. itability, says Fernando. To this you must "And not only in Murcia, but in the whole add the high costs of prevention measures area of south-eastern Spain, which has that had to be implemented in farms and many hours of sunshine, more than other fruit and vegetable plants from the begin- regions." ning of the pandemic to ensure the safety of the workers. This activity was rightly "The massive increase of electricity prices described as essential and was able to rise in Spain is also raising great concerns, as to the great challenge of guaranteeing the it will have an impact on fruit and vegetasupply to more than 400 million consum- ble companies and on the price of desaliers on a continent facing an unprecedent- nated water. Transport and packaging ed health and economic crisis. costs are also rising, as are labor costs."

It should be recalled that in 2019 there "As for the use of fertilizers, the Region of was a sharp 22.3% rise in the minimum Murcia, and Campo de Cartagena with a wage (SMI), and another of 5.5% in 2020. specific legal standard, has a modern and According to an analysis from the Bank controlled sustainable fertigation system of Spain, this negatively affected job crewhich brings unquestionable environ- ation, with the agricultural sector being

After dealing in the last year and a half with labor shortage issues, new consumption patterns, the closure of a marketing channel as important as the food service or increased costs, the fruit and vegetable sector in the Spanish Region of Murcia is facing a new, more hopeful scenario this season, backed by the progress achieved in vaccinations, which is bringing us closer to a long-awaited 'normality'.

"E

veryone hopes for a return to normal parameters, without COVID as a distorting element in the field of consumption, as well as for a recovery of a normal rhythm of supply without those occasional moments of excessive demand. It is also expected that the catering industry will restore an important part of the activity, even if not 100%, and that the processing industry will recover a momentum that this season we’ve only seen in the last months of spring, when everything began to open again, and in the summer," says Fernando P. Gomez, president of Proexport. "And, above all, we hope that our customers, whom we have helped so much in a tremendously difficult year, will reward their Murcian suppliers with loyalty and with reasonable and fair prices."

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

the most adversely affected. In this regard, the Government has just announced its intention to increase the SMI again.

tion, to be on a social and environmental path, which is what society is demanding from us right now," he said.

"For all these reasons, we are asking companies to be very efficient in terms of costs, and MAINTENANCE OF that when marketing their HORTICULTURAL products this year, producers PRODUCTIONS and customers work togeth- Despite the magnitude of the er to ensure the final price challenge posed by the pancan reflect all these costs demic, the fruit and vegetawithout this harming con- ble sector of Murcia has once sumption. Suffering losses at again shown its competitiveorigin should also be avoided ness and its great capacity for at all times, since those could flexibility and resilience. It jeopardize the future of the has done so while also dealagricultural business, of inno- ing with additional problems, vation, social responsibility, such as the defense of the compliance with labor regula- Tajo-Segura transfer, the calls tions, and the environmental for a strike, which failed, or and economic sustainability the agricultural sector being of the business," he said. "I recently and unfairly put in believe that, in a growing econ- the spotlight because of the omy, the retail can offer a very environmental crisis of the affordable price point for the Mar Menor. The data confirm consumer, who is also highly its strength: fruit and vegetaaware of the need for adequate ble exports from the Region remuneration for all the work- of Murcia amounted in 2020 ers and of sustainable pro- to 2,605,213 tons, representduction at source. In fact, this ing 19.9% of the national total would make it easier for the (23% in the case of vegetables) entire sector, without excep- worth a total of 2,843 million

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Vegetables

Euro. This year, according to the president The agricultural sector is a very important and CEO of Proexport, "it is still early to one. make forecasts with some precision, but it all points to overall stability in horticul- "These European funds, whose call has tural productions." been delayed to September, are complemented by more than 200 million Euro "For the greenhouse production, espe- from the Ministry for investments in the cially in the case of tomatoes, there may modernization of high-tech greenhouses be a slight decrease, although this could with climate control and sustainable probe compensated by the European Recov- duction, apart from another, much smaller ery Funds, the effects of which will be amount for all types of crops in precision seen in the next campaign," says Fernan- agriculture, energy efficiency and circular do. It is the largest stimulus package ever economy. The amount that has been profinanced by the European Union and will posed is not really what we expected. We help repair the immediate economic and would have preferred to have twice the social damage caused by the coronavirus budget to make a real impact, because we pandemic in Europe, improving also the have companies that are strongly comflexibility mechanisms to ensure its abil- mitted to digitization, sustainability and ity to cope with unforeseen future needs. agrotechnology," says the expert, who specifies that the bulk of investment in

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greenhouses will probably go to Murcia and Almeria.

This slight increase that could be observed in tomato productivity would counteract, although only partially, the reduction of the acreage that this vegetable has been experiencing in Spain, particularly in Almeria, which has been exacerbated in recent years by strong competition from other countries in the European market, including Morocco. "Morocco is not only competing with us with its loose tomato.

It is increasing its production in all categories and, in fact, it is perhaps the strongest when it comes to cherry tomatoes," says Fernando P. Gómez. "Cherry tomatoes are very labor intensive, and we can compete with them in terms of technology, produc-

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tivity or flavor, but we cannot compete with Morocco’s labor costs," he says.

recovery may lead to more consumption, COVID, such as hardly being able to get off but it must be said that leafy vegetable the truck, or having to stay in lockdown. consumption is already very strong, and This is the result."

"As for peppers, the campaign has been producers must defend the value of their very difficult due to the quality prob- productions in Europe," he says. "However, "We have received many calls from the UK lems recorded. We had a very wet spring, we have to be careful with the quantities and we have made a tremendous effort with many cloudy days that took a toll on we put on the market and work hand in with the production, but they know very the quality and also consumption, and at hand with the retail. We must not forget well that we do not grow to speculate. Most the same time, and we’ve also dealt with what happened this summer in the United of our production is programmed with competition from the Netherlands, with Kingdom or the heavy rains in Germany." supermarket chains, and therefore, since very low prices that we believe won’t give these productions were not programmed, even Dutch producers any profit," says WEATHER AND BREXIT ARE TAKING we have simply tried to share what we had the professional. "We are not happy in the THEIR TOLL ON BRITISH VEGETABLE for Spain with them, but in no way have we conventional, and much less in the organ- PRODUCTION. been able to fill the gap they had," he says. ic. There is a very important transition Summer is a time when countries in centowards the organic, but the market is not tral and northern Europea have open "It is worth taking into account that in remunerating it; at least this year. There- ground vegetable productions that are summer we reduce the production a lot fore, we do not foresee growth in peppers highly appreciated for their local charac- because local productions come into in the southwest of the region, although it ter; however, this year, the United King- play," says the president of Proexport. is still too early to confirm this, because dom, the second largest buyer of fruit and "The place of origin and km zero are still our campaign will begin in March. vegetables from the Region of Murcia, only important in products grown in the open behind Germany (in 2020, it received 18% ground, but what has happened in the UK "What we do see is that in brassicas or of all exported products), suffered signif- shows that this type of production is very leafy vegetables consumption continues icant production shortages as a result of sensitive to the weather. This is why we to be tremendously important for all vari- adverse weather conditions; although this should not speak of km zero, but of Euroeties, both for the Iceberg and special- wasn’t the only factor. pean km. European km is also synonyties, which are products that are closely mous with proximity and freshness, since associated with a healthy diet." Murcia is "The constant rains this summer in Ger- products can be delivered across Europe still the largest supplier of lettuce in the many and the United Kingdom and their within 48 hours using increasingly susEuropean market, accounting for 67.6% of impact on local vegetable productions tainable transport. And in recent years it all Spanish shipments in 2020, according have caused tremendous difficulties to has been shown that, despite the impact of to figures from Proexport. In that year, supply many supermarkets, which has storms and other specific weather issues, volume of lettuce exports amounted to been aggravated by the problems in find- the Region of Murcia, Almeria and Alican518,106 tons. "Now we will have to keep ing transport," says Fernando. "Making te are agricultural areas with certain clian eye on how things develop for pre-pre- shipments there means having to deal matic guarantees for any customer who pared convenience food once the food ser- with bringing in products that are subject wants to be sure to have a supply on the vice sector and the economy are reactivat- to tariffs and that can make returns more shelves," says Fernando P. Gomez.  ed, because the crisis has had an impact expensive, as well as having to abide by on consumption and family spending. The the conditions that the UK imposed due to AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

69

South Africa

South Africa keeps it moving against the odds It has been a season of records for South African fruit exports on table grapes, pomefruit, stonefruit and probably (the season is in its peak) of citrus as well. The season played off against a backdrop of a stronger currency, especially with regards to the USDollar, which reduces onfarm earnings as well as severe logistical challenges.

S

upply chain disruptions have never really gone away since the start of the Covid pandemic, in South Africa’s case exacerbated by social unrest, property destruction and looting, as well as heavy wind and fog causing periodic stoppages at the country’s four main ports, of which Cape Town remains the most important for European exports.

The Western Cape is currently experiencing a cold and wet winter which bodes well for the province’s fruit crops.

South Africa is Europe’s largest trading partner in Africa.

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SATI ASSURES EUROPE OF ITS CONTINUING PROMINENCE During the 2020/2021 gra pe campaign with record volumes of 71.4 million 4.5kg cartons, 38.5 million 4.5kg equivalent cartons were exported to the European Union which is, by quite a wide margin, the most grapes South Africa has ever sent to the EU, after hovering between 30 and 31 million cartons for five years.

Just under 15.8 million cartons went to the United Kingdom, an amount much in line with preceding years, and the UK remains second largest recipient of South African grapes.

“Europe heard about our China campaign and the feedback was that the European market shouldn’t be neglected, we can assure our most important market that is not our objective,” says the communications manager of the South African Table Grape industry (SATI), Clayton Swart.

He maintains that Europe and the United Kingdom remain primary markets for South African table grapes. Europe and the United Kingdom receive about 74% of South Africa's table grapes but for producing countries it is crucial to extend the spread of its markets to achieve a more balanced distribution, he notes. Europe and the UK are sophisticated and almost saturated markets with slower growth while other parts of the world like the East and China are showing rapid growth.

“At this stage China only takes a small percentage of our exports while it’s certainly a market that could take more,” Clayton

explains. “As our production volumes grow we need to develop other markets that can sustainably absorb these volumes thereby balancing out the risks through a more diversified distribution.”

“Our producers, exporters and industry have long term relationships with the trade in Europe and the UK stretching over many generations for more than 125 years as a supplying country with SA remain-

ing the leading supplier in its window to this block.” Moreover, Europe’s proximity to South Africa will always ensure that it remains a favoured destination.

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71

South Africa

DOMESTIC PEARS PUT PRESSURE ON demand for Granny Smith in the EU. SOUTH AFRICAN IMPORTS Europe only represents 9% of South AfriPomefruit crops are back to good averag- can apple exports which mostly go to Afries per hectare after the years of drought, ca, the Middle East and the Far East. but the growth in orchards and young trees coming into bearing age. The apple Apple exports are 13% up to the EU this crop is 42.5 million 12.5kg cartons (16% year compared to last year (which Jacques increase) and 17.4 million cartons of pears points out, is not a reliable touchpoint due (a 4% increase). to the disruptive nature of the pandemic) and it’s been an acceptable season.

“Given the challenges at the harbours, these figures are really very good,” The European crop estimate predicts a remarks Jacques du Preez, trade and mar- 28% drop in pear volumes as a result of kets manager at Hortgro, and testament to frost damage, which could translate into the true grit of the industry. a better pear market for exporters like South Africa next year.

Every year more of the European Conference pear crop is stored for longer periods There is a lot of expansion in apple orchards which puts pressure on pear price levels. in Eastern Europe and Russia, but Jacques Unlike last year pear stocks remained at says they don’t expect increased competilevels that were 30 to 50% higher, remarks tion from these quarters in the traditional Jacques du Preez, trade and markets man- markets. That said, the Russian apple and ager at Hortgro. The main pear varieties pear markets were under pressure this sent to Europe by South Africa are Pack- year for price-driven reasons. hams Triumph, Forelle/Vermont Beauty and Abate Fetel.

Apricots had a fantastic year with a surge in volumes (93% up) but still a few hunThere is still a way to go on Pink Lady dred thousand cartons fewer than some exports, for which Europe is an import- years ago. Nectarines were 30% more and ant market. There is currently healthy the market was strong. The peach market

was not quite so good for a crop that was 22% up.

BUMPER PLUM CROP RUNS INTO DIFFICULTIES MIDWAY THROUGH CAMPAIGN The season for plums, of which roughly half of South Africa’s crop goes to the EU and a further 22% to the UK, was more complicated. The crop was 71% up over the previous season and the early plum market went well until week 5 or 6, until a number of vessels loaded with South African plums berthed simultaneously in Europe, placing a million cartons of plums on the market and causing a panic among buyers which was, in actual fact, unwarranted, Jacques says.

In the weeks following shipping volumes were much lower and it was a mistake, he believes, to lower prices on the mid-season plums so drastically.

“From then on it was close to disastrous.

Prices for plums were 20% to 30% lower this year than last year. If you’re a plum producer with early to midseason cultivars, you would’ve had a good season. If you’re a plum producer with only mid- to

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

late season cultivars, it would’ve seen a very poor season for you.”

SOUTH AFRICA’S COAL DEPENDENCE COULD COST IT IN EUROPEAN TRADE South Africa is responsible for about half of the carbon emissions from Africa.

ly-sourced energy, where for years in an obstinate pro-coal stance it restricted private generation to 1MW.

TENSION BETWEEN PLASTIC REDUCTION AND CONSUMERS’ FOOD The fruit and transport industries are very HEALTH CONCERNS Recently the head of the state-owned mindful that Europe is increasingly meaThe wellknown 4 Rs of Reduce, Re-use, electricity supplier said that South Afri- suring the carbon footprint of the entire Recycle, Replace to improve the sustain- ca’s coal dependence (two new mega coal supply chain of its suppliers. Cable theft ability profile of fresh produce trade power stations are under construction, periodically paralyses parts of South Afri– particularly trade with the European despite the country’s abundant sun and ca’s rail infrastructure (impacting on, for Union – remain and will become ever more wind) and high carbon emissions could instance, European citrus exports from pertinent in the years to come. lead to another era of isolation and puni- the Eastern Cape). This erodes electric tive trade measures. train infrastructure and the state-owned There has been a lot of pressure from rail company has been forced to increasmostly European retail on particularly To the joy of cold stores and packhouses, ingly turn to diesel locomotives which table grape and stone fruit producers to the government at last this year grant- increases the carbon cost to South African reduce the use of plastic packaging, for ed permission for the private generation exports, a risk of which the industry and instance through heat seal punnets. of up to 100 megaWatts of alternative- the state are mindful.  South African packhouses report increased requests for new packaging solutions like heat seal punnets or paper bags for blueberries, but that trend reversed last year when it appeared that customers had become wary of loose fruit and demanded more packaged fresh produce.

SA TABLE GRAPE EXPORTS TO EU COUNTRIES 2020/2021 Norway 3%

Germany 3%

Spain 1% Denmark 1%

Even though it has been shown that COVID virus is not transmitted through food, and although there is pressure to reduce plastic use, the pandemic has shown that consumers want plastic to increase food safety and to reduce the extent to which others have handled the food.

Netherlands 92% Belgium

Denmark

Finland

Germany

Italy

Lithuania

Netherlands

Norway

Portugal

Romania

Spain

Sweden

Unknown

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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A D V E- R T O R I -A L Advertorial

WELCOME Welcome to Van Haelst Fruit and VHM Fruit Trade Van Haelst Fruit is a specialized fruit growing company, but also does arable farming. All products grown are commercialized themselves. VHM Fruit Trade is the packaging and business company. The managers are Christophe Van Haelst and his wife Cherlyn Maes.

HISTORY The Van Haelst family business was founded in the 18th century and started growing fruit in 1927.

Through years of experience from father to son, already in the 7th generation, we constantly strive for high-quality products.

In 2010 the company “Van Haelst Fruit” was founded by Christophe Van Haelst and his wife Cherlyn Maes. New buildings were built at a completely new location for the storage, sorting and trading of the fruit. With the necessary hardened outer surface, unloading quays and desks, correct, efficient and careful processing of all fruit is possible.

The roofs were equipped with solar panels to create green energy, and a basement was also built for rainwater collection, which can then be recovered for the maintenance of machines, the humidification of refrigerators, etc.

In September 2011 a packaging line with ‘water dumper’ was purchased. For the accommodation

of our seasonal workers, investments were also made in a building with all the necessary comfort and space, fully in accordance with the statutory regulations. Due to the dynamics within the company, there is increasing expansion in own production, in purchasing and also in processing for third parties.

PRODUCTION Van Haelst Fruit specializes in growing conference pears. In addition to fruit growing, there is also arable farming where wheat and sugar beets are grown. For all crops, but especially for fruit production, a lot of attention is paid to the environment, quality and cleanliness. All orchards are planted according to the V-hedge system, this is a very intensive cultivation, but precisely because of that the plantations can be very well maintained. This results in the harvesting of a qualitative, but also a quantitative product.

By using as few pesticides as possible, it is grown in a particularly environmentally friendly way.

Everywhere in the orchards, nesting boxes have been placed and hedges have been planted, excellent housing for the natural attackers of harmful insects.

By following the orchards very carefully, using biologically responsible products (including pheromone confusion) and maintaining the ecological balance, the healthiest products are grown. The plantations are processed throughout

the year by well-trained personnel, during the peak periods there is also recourse to foreign seasonal workers.

All pears are stored in their own cold stores, for packaging and trading during the months of October to May. Everything happens under control according to the strictest standards and included in the specifications: - integrated cultivation - global GAP and sector guide autocontrol primary fruit production - FSSC This ensures food safety ..

SERVICES We strive to produce fruit of excellent quality, which has led to a huge increase in demand for our product. We try to compensate for this by constantly investing in the construction of new orchards, but also by purchasing fruit from fellow growers. For this we have established the additional trading company “VHM Fruit Trade” in 2011, with the aim of: - purchase of fruit directly from the orchard, so-called “on stem”, but also from the frigocell.

- customized wage sorting: we sort both with or without further commercialization, in any desired packaging.

- packing possibilities in bins, flowpack, netpack, trags, …

Passion for Conference Pears Grower of high quality Conference Purchase and sales of pears Packaging according to customer's wishes

Kieldrechtsebaan 85 - 9130 Verrebroek - Tel: 0032477777736 - Email: info@vanhaelstfruit.be - www.vanhaelstfruit.be

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

Storage, checking and handling of climatecontrolled fruit

With us your fruit is in good hands. From arrival at the port to collection from our storage; we offer your product the best possible treatment.

In our storage locations in Vlissingen and Kruiningen, the products are subjected to a quality check, after which they are stored and kept at the desired temperature until you want to transport the products further.

Kruiningen Cold Store

Vlissingen Fruit Terminal

+ 31 113 322 352 - Kruiningen | + 31 113 322 311 - Vlissingen | info@zzcoldstore.nl

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Company news

Damien Castagnier; Head of sourcing, purchasing and supply at Monoprix

Monoprix Tous Cultiv'acteurs: a joint approach with partner producers to improve agricultural practices Initiated in 2015, the Monoprix Tous Cultiv'acteurs initiative now includes around forty supplier-producer partners, representing over 700 producers. It is part of the ongoing initiative launched in 2008 by the chain in favor of sustainable agricultural practices. The Monoprix Agricultural Partnerships were launched in 2008 with a large number of partner suppliers, but Monoprix wanted to give a new impulse to the approach. Therefore, they brought together suppliers and environmental experts (agronomists, auditors, NGO representatives) to develop this new program, focusing on a well-known issue: bee mortality. This approach was co-constructed with the producersuppliers around five themes: biodiversity and pest control, soil fertilization, water resource management, supplier commitment to the approach and cleaner agriculture, and the reduction of phytosanitary products. One of its objectives is to meet the criteria leading to the BEE FRIENDLY® certification".

B

ut the Tous Cultiv'acteurs approach also aims at providing better information on the seasonality of the products: most of the range is only available at the height of the season. The majority of the offer is of French origin, except for fruits for which French production is not sufficient (citrus fruits, lemons, avocados), without neglecting the consumers' gre-

atest pleasure thanks to a selection of quality products.

Photo provided by Monoprix

PROTECTING POLLINATORS: BEE FRIENDLY® LABEL In addition to the pursuit of improved agricultural practices, Tous Cultiv'ac-

Photo provided by Monoprix

teurs is also involved in the protection of pollinators, whose role is no longer in question. The approach thus commits its partner suppliers to meet the specifications of the BEE FRIENDLY® association, including the "BEE FRIENDLY black list", which includes all the substances banned under this initiative. This partnership has brought together the agricul-

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AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

tural and beekeeping worlds, which had long been in conflict, and which are now working together to protect all the insects affected. "A few years ago, beekeepers were very upset about the spreading of phytosanitary products that were dangerous for bees. And today we know that without pollination, fruit and vegetable crops and many others would be doomed to disappear. Efforts such as ours have enabled the development of a collaboration between beekeepers and producers.

They now work hand in hand. Although the efforts made over the last few years in this direction have led to a reduction in the mortality rate, which is now around 30%. "Currently, a large part of the Tous Cultiv'acteurs chains have already been awarded the BEE FRIENDLY® label, and we will continue to pursue the work that has been done. Hives have been installed by our producers and nearly 500 million bees are born each year on their land. We even have honey today coming from the Tous Cultiv'ateurs initiative.

BeeF® labelled Zeli apples and honey from the beehives of orchards involved in the Tous Cultiv'acteurs initiative / Photo provided by Monoprix

Zeli apple with the BeeF® label and honey from the orchard hives committed to the Tous Cultiv’acteurs initiative. Photograph provided by Monoprix

TOUS CULTIV'ACTEURS INITIATIVE’S STARTING POINT Based on the simple observation that organic and conventional products are two different things, the Monoprix

chain, where 80% of the products come from conventional agriculture, wanted to improve in this segment. " We asked ourselves what would be ambitious and achievable, but also what would make

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

77

Company news

as sizes, but that comply with the agricultural practices. Producers know that they can count on us in case of trouble. We can also count on them in the event of low volumes available. It is a real community that has been built over the years where the values of mutual help and support are at the core of our partnership.

AN EFFORT CO-DEVELOPED WITH THE PRODUCER This partnership, bringing together producers and the Monoprix chain, is based on a common desire to advance and make progress regarding agricultural practices.

The long-term relationship is based on a three-year progress plan. "We try as much as possible to provide technical support.

Each year, we help finance working groups organized by the Bee Friendly association, which bring together different suppliers and experts on specific technical issues.

We also hold annual meetings with all of our partners to present the results of our efforts, to hear from environmental experts, or simply to discuss with them any points that need to be improved.

Photo provided by Monoprix

"Producers must be convinced by our approach, and they must be aware that it represents a real investment on their part.

The BEE FRIENDLY® label is renewed every year, so the producer has to renew it each year. And for certain sectors, such as cherries, the difficulty may be greater. We, therefore, take all these elements into account when selecting suppliers who are motivated and aware of the issues, and whose products are tasty, to join the Monoprix Tous Cultiv'acteurs initiative before the production qualifies for the BEE FRIENDLY® label. At first, we explain the concept to them and ask them to fill in a questionnaire to determine their progress in terms of sustainable agriculture, such as whether they already have an environmental certification".

sense for the future? Since improving "All the products chosen to take part in the agricultural practices was already a topic initiative are of the highest organoleptic we had been working on since 2008, pro- quality. Each of them has its own specific tecting pollinators stood out quite quickly, characteristics. For example, in the melon at a time when the ban on neonicotinoids sector, we only offer Label Rouge melon was not yet in place in France," continues and the Protected Geographical IndicaDamien Castagnier. tion of Haut-Poitou, the PDO Limousin for Golden apples and grapes. We also offer SECTOR DEVELOPMENT the PDO Muscat du Ventoux and Chasselas The Tous Cultiv'acteurs approach already de Moissac". includes no less than twenty channels with nearly sixty references. These include avo- HELPING PRODUCERS cados, cherries, potatoes, plums, walnuts, In addition to its environmental and qualkiwis, tomatoes, red fruit, citrus fruit ity commitments, the Tous Cultiv'acteurs (oranges, clementines, lemons), pears, program also aims to support producers. apples, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and "We are committed to making progress « TRANSPARENCY CONTRACT » more recently blueberries and melons. But and building lasting relationships. If, for Monoprix's objective through its Tous Culthe company does not intend to stop there, climatic reasons or due to exceptional pest tiv'acteurs initiative is also to establish as it intends to extend and diversify its pressure, a partner loses its production genuine transparency with its consumers. lines of products. "We are currently work- under the Bee Friendly® label, we will not "All the metrics and their evolution are ing on new French channels for watermel- stop our collaboration. On the contrary, available online and accessible to all. We on, new varieties of mandarins, oranges, this is precisely the moment when we describe the initiative and the actions takand grapes. Additional channels are also must be involved: his production will be en by our partner suppliers. We are also planned for 2022/23, including the devel- offered to our customers but without the working on better promoting the program opment of a vegetable range such as car- Bee Friendly® label, of course. This has directly to our customers in our superrots, for example, and other varieties that been the case this year for some of the pro- markets, creating a form of 'transparency we do not yet offer. duction that suffered from the frost. We contract'.  are very reactive, particularly in terms of Monoprix PRODUCTS THAT TASTE GOOD price and promotional campaigns. We can entreprise.monoprix.fr One of the key elements of the Monoprix set up special operations to support proTous Cultiv'acteurs approach is the quality duction in order to sell the products. We of the products. The chain wants to offer can also provide support for fruits that fall high-quality products to its consumers. outside the terms of the agreement, such 78

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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Empresas

Serge Le Bonniec, CEO & Aurélien Pierre, organic fruit and vegetable sales buyer:

"Our next challenge is to find partners to optimise our logistics fleet"

© Celtileg

This year, Celtileg is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Specializing exclusively in the shipment of fresh fruit and vegetables for Prince de Bretagne and the second largest player in terms of volume and turnover among the 80 operators in the Breton organisation, Celtileg ships nearly 30,000 tonnes of vegetables per year to supermarkets (90%), export markets (between 3 and 5%) and wholesalers.

O

ver the years, Celtileg has developed 5 people, today we are 27", says Serge Le thanks to its policy of service, qua- Bonniec, CEO of Celtileg, who together lity, and attention to the customer, the with his team, is in charge of buying and organisation and the producer. "We star- selling products, receiving goods, procested from scratch 10 years ago, with peo- sing orders and monitoring traceability, ple who already had some experience as well as transporting goods throughout in the business. I looked for partners to the Brittany region thanks to his fleet of set up the company and we started with vehicles.

The company is now certified by GlobalG.A.P, FEL Partnership since 2016, Ecocert and IFS food in 2019, and has been developing an organic range since 1 January 2021.

PRODUCT MARKETING SYSTEM About 70% of the volumes purchased are bought at the auction market every day, but the Brittany-based organisation wanted to provide other selling systems *Prince de Bretagne brand brings together 1,200 producers under 4 Brittany-based cooperatives, and represents 450,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables and more than 140 products per year.

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Specialized in apples and pears for industry!

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

81

Company news

©Celtileg

than auctions. "We now have the possibil- our next challenge is to find new partners ity of using contractualisation. By being thanks to this new licence. If, for example, able to establish an annual price, we can we have to go to Ille-et-Vilaine to pick up increase the loyalty of mass retailers and goods, we need to find freight to take to also align ourselves with some of our com- Rennes or Brest. The same goes for the petitors who have been using this system other way round: if we unload in Rennes, for several years already". Two other sell- we need to find freight in the same area to ing processes are also available: telemat- return to Paimpol". ics, which takes place every week, or once a year for certain products, and finally the Having your own fleet is also a guarantee. bidding system.

"We don't claim to be replacing the transporters, but we have to be aware of the PRIVATE LOGISTICS FLEET lack of drivers in France. As a result, we With a fleet of 7 vehicles, Celtileg is able feel a lot of stress coming from the outside. to cover the whole region of Brittany. Today's transporters are weakened and "Regarding logistics, everything we can therefore sometimes have difficulty hondo locally, we do it ourselves. For the rest, oring the services that we ask of them". including exports, we use service providers. All the goods are grouped together at CELTILEG AND ITS CARBON our premises and the dispatch orders for FOOTPRINT these service providers always leave from At Celtileg, the ecological dimension also our premises. Everything passes through matters. The company spares no effort to our hands before it leaves". find new solutions in this area, but the task is harder for small companies. "In the long Eager to develop and improve its inbound run, we will have to find alternatives. We and outbound logistics as much as possi- are aware that it is urgent to change our ble, the Paimpolese company has taken way of doing things, as the climatic accion transport for other companies in the dents of the last few weeks have shown. region since last year, and is looking for But as a small business, we don't have the new ways to optimise its transport fleet. resources to have a dedicated department "Last year, one of our employees complet- to deal with this issue. Our daily priority is ed a six-month training course in order to to keep the company running, to keep our acquire a licence enabling us to carry out 27 employees on the payroll and to honor transport for other companies. Before that, our orders. Even on a national level, there we could only do it for ourselves. Now we is no guide to help us. We are not specialcan invoice transport for companies other ists, so we try to find solutions ourselves, than ours. In terms of optimization, since for example by optimizing our logistics we often drive with half-empty trucks, centre. There is certainly more to be done, 82

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

but it is already a first step in this direction."

REGARDING COMBINING RAIL AND ROAD TRANSPORT Trials of multimodal rail/road transport were carried out in Brittany but quickly showed their limits for the fresh produce sector. "Whether it's at the departure or the arrival, there have been quite a few failures. When the producer has to deliver his goods at 5 p.m. for a departure by train scheduled for 5.15 p.m., if he experiences any problems, such as a tractor breakdown for example, the train won't wait. We just couldn't take that risk. In our business you have to be quite flexible because unpredictable things can happen.

We are dependent on the producers, who are themselves dependent on their crops".

CELTILEG AROUND THE GLOBE Operating throughout France, Celtileg also ships across state lines. "Our export activity represents almost 5% and we would like to develop it further. We did business with Portugal and Italy before the pandemic, but when the crisis hit we lost some contracts, especially with Italy, where they stopped all imports. It's quite difficult to regain market share there. The challenge is to get the machine going again when the commitment is not kept, even in this very particular case".  CELTILEG contact@celtileg.fr

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The challenge of apricot breeding: good, resilient, and resistant varieties

Variety ROUGECOT cov, SHARKA resistant red apricot

This year's apricot campaign was strongly affected by the weather conditions. Starting with the long episodes of frost during the blossoming period which led to a significant drop in the number of flowers, reducing the forecast harvest to less than 50,000 tonnes of apricots. A sad record for the past 30 years. In a context of climatic disruption that no longer needs to be proven, Pascal Bassols, technical and commercial manager at COT International, gives an overview of the French apricot season. He will also present the main challenges of varietal selection as well as the strong points of the French production.

A LACK OF VOLUME HAS KEPT PRICING LEVELED The lack of volume has enabled prices to be maintained at a decent level. "Overall and considering the situation, producers are 84

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

quite happy. A lot of them said that in the end, the harvest was better than what had been predicted in the forecasts. We will not end up with a harvest down by 70%; it will be down by 50% or 60%. Although I'm

not sure that the prices are high enough to cover the loss of production, which varies greatly from one producer and variety to another. But we can wonder whether the prices would have been good enough if we had got the large volumes initially forecast because of the low production in 2020".

LATE SWITCH OF ORIGINS BY THE RETAIL SECTOR If the season were normal, Pascal Bassols believes that the production would have struggled to sell because of the late switch of origins in the supermarkets: "Because of the very low harvest forecasts, supermarkets have switched rather badly from foreign products to French ones. They did not try to buy the early French varieties and were slow to put the French production on the shelves. The representatives

fought with the supermarkets to sell the little volume they had. This is why, in my opinion, the prices this year do not reflect the low production. But had there been enough volume, perhaps the French supermarkets would have made the switch sooner, absorbing the volumes. This does not mean that they would have sold them, or even bought them at an interesting price for the producer, but they would have absorbed them.

It is a circle that can be virtuous when it goes well and vicious when it goes badly".

FLAVOR QUALITY: A STANDARD THAT MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE VARIETAL SELECTION FOR EVERYONE In light of these climatic changes, which are having an ever-growing impact on production and consumption, the new varieties selected must meet a certain number of criteria: "First and foremost, the first challenge in the selection process is to satisfy the consumer. In recent

years, we've seen a huge number of new apricot varieties, but they have been selected for their visual quality, not their taste. We have created some very beautiful varieties without really thinking about whether they are any good. We have now realized this, and we are trying to offer apricots that the consumer enjoys above all. All the studies say that a consumer buys with his eyes, but if the product does not meet his expectations in terms of taste, it will take him about 20 days to come back and buy more. With a season that lasts two months for apricots, the consequences are substantial.

If an apricot is not edible on the tree, it should not be selected. This is why we are very confident about our FIESTA COT variety, which has a great taste".

DELICOT cov variety, the perfect example of flavor quality and productivity

VARIETIES THAT GROW IN MANY PRODUCTION AREAS Besides this search for the best taste, it is important today to select varieties that adapt favorably to cli-

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DELICOT cov, the perfect example of flavor and productivity

mate change: "Last year we suffered from a lack of cold hours for the apricots. The flowers were necrosed, which meant that the trees produced significantly less. This is why at COT we have orchards for varietal selection in Nîmes, but also in Murcia - because we understood very early on that we needed to have varieties that could produce with 300 hours of cold, or with 1000 hours of cold. This enables us to offer varieties that have been tested under different thermal amplitudes and latitudes, depending on the production zone.

The Lady COT is a variety that performs very well in all production areas, whether in Murcia or the Rhone Valley".

86

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

"There is also a real trend in the profes- COT we have been testing all the hybrids sion towards late varieties. Apricots have that we select for the presence of molecundergone some difficult times in recent ular markers against the plum pox virus. years, but today producers are interested Depending on the results, we then decide in varieties that are tasty, robust, and pro- whether or not to keep the variety. We ductive. The cultivars in the early season are also trying to work on varieties that are also in great demand today, but the are resistant to monilia on flower, which varieties have to be very tasty". is one of the main challenges for organic farming today".

VARIETIES THAT CAN PRODUCE WITH FEWER TREATMENTS VARIETY COCOT COV, SHARKA The agro-ecological issue remains import- RESISTANT ant today. "The prevailing mindset nowa- The French production: as close to the days is that we should produce healthier moment of maturity for the consumer as fruit with fewer chemicals. For this, we possible need to find varieties that are resistant or disease tolerant. For the past nine years at

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Variety FIESTA COT cov

Although the competition is less fierce trees after the rains during the blossom- ABOUT COT INTERNATIONAL than that of its neighbors, the French pro- ing period, are very good for organic pro- COT is a research and publishing compaduction has, according to Pascal Bassols, a duction". ny specializing in new fruit varieties of few advantages: "First of all, it is a producapricots, cherries, and plums. Based in tion that aims to be qualitative. The fruit FRANCE HAS SOME HIGHLY SKILLED the south of France, near Nîmes (Gard), is picked just when it is ripe. Most French TECHNICIANS it operates in more than 15 countries apricots are sold on the national market, "We also have some very good techni- around the world. Its objective is to work so it is possible to pick them as close as cians and a strong awareness within the primarily for arboriculturists, to provide possible to maturity - which means they industry to produce healthier fruit with them with varieties presenting both intersuffer less from long transport times. less treatment. The pedo-climatic context esting agronomic characteristics adapted This is less the case for the production of allows, among other things, to have a beau- to their farms and with strong commercial southern Spain, which is mainly intended tiful blossoming and sugar-filled fruit in a potential, leading to maximum economic for export. normal year. In addition, we have become efficiency in the orchards. With almost 30 aware in France of this balance between years of existence, the flavor and the satisFRENCH PRODUCTION IS ORGANIZED quality and productivity. A good variety faction of the consumers are the pillars of INTO THREE PRODUCTION ZONES will produce 25-30 tonnes of apricots per the present and future development of the "We are also fortunate to have three pro- hectare. If we were to increase the pro- company.  duction zones, namely Roussillon, the ductivity per tree, we would reduce the Rhône Valley, and the Gard. This allows flavor quality of the fruit. The producers I us to provide the consumer with a fruit have met are all aware of this. They know of consistent quality from the end of May that the standards for harvesting vary until mid-August. The DELICOT variety, from one country to another. The early known for its flavor, is therefore available varieties of apricot in Spain are harvested for purchase from 20 June in Roussillon to with low sugar levels compared to those in 20 July in the Rhône Valley. The favorable season. For example, Label Rouge apricots climatic conditions in Roussillon, with the in France are only harvested with a sugar Tramontane, for example, which dries the level above 13° Brix".

88

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

Organic

Organic, increasing exports from Italy to Europe According to data provided by Sinab, the Italian organic fruit and vegetable sector has shown a progressive and strong growth trend in recent years. By analyzing the information available on the crops that make up the Italian fruit and vegetable sector, in the period from 2015 to 2019 the hectares dedicated to organic farming increased from a little less than 133,000 to almost 200,000 hectares in 2019 (latest available data).

In 2019 the fruit sector (including citrus 2015, when the areas were slightly more fruits) had a total of more than 132,000 than 30,000 hectares. hectares, compared to 102,000 hectares in 2015 (+29%); the growth in the area To date, the fruit species with the largest of vegetables was greater, with the cur- acreage is that of nuts, with almost 51,000 rent 67,000 hectares, +120%, compared to hectares in 2019 (+55% on 2015), thanks 90

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

to the increase in almonds, chestnuts and hazelnuts. This is followed by fresh fruit, which has reached almost 40,000 hectares (+57% on 2015), of which almost 60% is represented by only four species, respectively apples, kiwis, cherries and apricots.

Among vegetables and legumes, the areas dedicated to tomatoes and peas are more relevant at a national scale, although, in general, all the species that make up this group of crops show a very consistent growth rate.

IL

800.000

2,50 2,14

700.000

500.000

736.399

700.099

665.761

564.354

669.346

600.000

2,00

1,95

1,93

1,86

2,00

1,50

200.000

344.342

349.674

341.907

302.982

300.000

346.786

400.000 1,00

0,50 100.000

0

2016

2017 volume (t)

STRONG EXPORTS FOR MELONS In the first 7 months of 2021, the company Canova, which specializes in organic products and belongs to the Apofruit Italia Group, registered a 6% increase in turnover. "Among the many references, the melon saw a strong increase in exports, with Germany and Switzerland as the top destination countries. As for summer fruit, even apricots had an excellent market. Unfortunately, the availability was low due to spring frosts that destroyed part of the harvest," explained the director Ernesto Fornari.

2018 valor (miles de euros)

2019

2020

0,00

precio promedio (€/kg)

STRAWBERRIES ALSO DID DATA ON ORGANIC FARMING IN ITALY WELL, WITH INCREASED SALES At a national scale, the largest areas of THROUGHOUT EUROPE. organic fruit and vegetables are concenCanova has a company in Spain and organ- trated in the southern regions of Italy. ic fruit and vegetables, produced in Italy and Spain, are exported to Portugal or For several years, Sicily has been the first sold directly in Spain. region in terms of importance with over 45,000 hectares in total. Apulia ranks sec"Compared to winter products, the organic ond with over 30,000 hectares, Calabria kiwi campaign was very positive, thanks third with about 20,000 hectares. They to its high quality, the product was pre- are followed in order of importance by served until August and was sold entirely Latium, Campania and Emilia Romagna, with no problems and with satisfactory with areas ranging from 13,000 to over results," added the director.

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

91

Organic

18,000 hectares, showing a higher growth rate than the regions mentioned above.

constant for several years now, with a slight contraction in 2020, which lost -2% compared to 2019, with a total volume of The remarkable growth in acreage is sure344,000 thousand tons. As a result of the ly a logical consequence of the increasing The trend of organic fruit and vegeta- stayhome, the March-May quarter of last demand of the market. Another element ble purchases by Italian families is also year, during which food purchases and that favors the expansion of organic farm- growing. The trend has been steady and specifically fruit and vegetables for home

92

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

ing are the recent EU policies to promote environment sustainability, with a lot of interest and attention on organic farming.

consumption saw a boost, there was also markets are the most relevant purchase an increase in volumes for the organic sec- channel with 38% of volumes, followed tor with 83,600 tons and +7.5% compared by discount stores with 12% of shares, to 2019. Regarding the same quarter, we hypermarkets at 8% and superettes or should also remember the scenario of small surfaces with 4%. emptied shelves in supermarkets, where the purchasing manager was very careful On the national territory, organic fruit and with the supply, stocking up with what vegetables saw increases in purchase volwas available after hours of queuing. umes only in the northwest of Italy. It is in this area that the most important segment Overall, within fruit and vegetables sec- for this category of fruit and vegetables tor, the organic sector showed an import- is centralized with 33% of the quantities, ant increase in average purchasing prices the increase of +5% made the volume purlast year. Italian families spent an average chased rise to 113,000 tons in 2020. In the of 2.14 €/kg to buy organic fruit and veg- northeast regions, purchases were about etables, which is +7% compared to 2019 62,000 tons, marking a -4% compared when fruits and vegetables were 2.00 €/ to 2019, while central Italy and Sardinkg on average. An important step com- ia accounted for 69,000 tons and a -11% pared to non-organic goods, that were contraction. Finally, the South and Sicipurchased on average at 1.96 €/kg, 0,18 ly equalized the quantities of 2019 with cents less. This may have been one of the 98,000 tons. factors that influenced the failure of the new record purchases for organic fruits A surge in fixed-weight purchases, with and vegetables.

71,000 tons during 2020, marked a +10% compared to the previous year, almost GOOD SALES IN SUPERMARKETS doubling the quantities of 2016.

Large-scale retail trade closed positively the year 2020 by centralizing 61% of the The number of families buying organic total purchase volumes of organic prod- continues to grow, increasing the penetraucts; in the previous period 2016-2019 tion index, that is the percentage of famit stopped at 55%. Specifically, super- ilies who have bought organic fruit and

vegetables at least once during the year.

To have a more precise idea of this data, in 2016 the value was 62% of families, and it has increased over the years, reaching 76% in 2020.

The areas cultivated with organic farming saw a strong growth recently; retail purchases of families in Italy are increasing, but with less intensity.

The attention paid to the sector can certainly be seen in a positive light, also in the context of a greater attention towards the environment, as evidence of a consumer who is more aware of his or her purchases, but we should ask ourselves as a sector whether, in the face of a continuous expansion of organic production, the market will be able to absorb the greater volumes in the coming years, both in terms of demand and remuneration. 

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Apple production forecasts for the 2021/2022 season THE SITUATION IN THE EUROPEAN year, but perfectly in line (1%) with the UNION average of the previous three years.

The usual Prognosfruit conference, a fundamental moment for apple producers in After last season's lower harvest, prothe Northern Hemisphere to be informed duction is expected to increase in sevand comment on the apple production eral European countries. An increase is forecasts for the 2021/2022 season, was estimated for the Polish harvest, which held online on Thursday, 6 August 2021. returns to high production levels with 4,170,000 tons (22% compared to 2020).

Production estimates for 2021 (tab. 1) Countries such as Hungary, Spain, Croapredict an apple harvest in Europe at tia and Portugal will also increase their 11,735,000 tons, a 10% increase over last Tab. 1 (ton.) forecast for UE Country EU - 28 Tons x 1.000 Austria Belgium Croatia Czech Rep Danimark France Germany Greece Hungary Italy Latvia Lithuania Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden UK TOTAL

Production is expected to increase in Germany (6%), an important country for Italian exports in Europe, as well as for France (3%) and Belgium (14%).

Slovenia (-59%) and Greece (-28%) lose important shares and there is a decrease in production in Northern Europe such as Denmark (-25%), Lithuania (-47%), Latvia

Cons. 2014

Cons. 2015

Cons. 2016

Cons 2017

Cons 2018

Cons 2019

Cons 2020

Forecast 2021

Forecast 2021/ Cons 2020

188 318 62 131 26 1.444 1.116 245 920 2.456 10 27 353 3.750 272 382 46 68 505 16 175

177 285 101 156 24 1.674 973 242 522 2.280 8 46 336 3.979 329 336 40 71 482 21 183

40 234 35 139 24 1.515 1.033 259 498 2.272 10 50 317 4.035 263 327 17 12 495 20 183

67 88 66 102 19 1.424 597 231 530 1.704 8 48 228 2.870 314 230 15 6 480 18 206

184 231 86 145 24 1.477 1.093 301 782 2.264 14 62 267 4.810 267 425 44 72 476 32 219

146 242 60 103 15 1.651 991 276 452 2.096 10 26 272 2.910 354 327 35 36 555 20 205

126 168 55 118 24 1.337 1.023 280 350 2.124 14 60 220 3.410 278 389 30 46 425 32 196

115 192 65 126 18 1.375 1.080 203 520 2.046 12 32 250 4.170 312 410 31 19 543 27 191

-9 14 18 7 -25 3 6 -28 49 -4 -14 -47 14 22 12 5 3 -59 28 -16 -3

12.510

12.265

11.779

9.251

13.275

10.783

10.680

11.735

10

Source: WAPA

94

production by 49%, 28% 18% and 12%, respectively.

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

Table 2 Forecasts of European production by variety Cons 2015

Cons 2016

Cons 2017

Cons 2018

Cons 2019

Cons 2020

Prev.2021

Prev. 2021/ Cons 2010

Toneladas x 1.000 Annurca Boskoop Braeburn Bramley Cortland Cox Orange Cripps Pink Elstar Fuji Gala Gloster Golden Del. Granny Smith Idared Jonagold Jonagored Jonathan Lobo Morgenduft Pinova Red Delicious Red Jonaprince Reineta Shampion Spartan Stayman Variedades nuevas Otras Ligol

35 77 327 84 26 34 244 399 338 1.382 183 2.534 405 1.129 633 519 143 31 46 119 643 104 134 513 6 14 207 1.713 303

35 71 320 85

35 34 220 75

40 66 312 72

45 55 286 54

45 46 251 50

45 58 241 44

26 -4 -12

29 261 387 288 1.314 197 2.406 384 965 567 539 123

20 260 265 290 1.271 166 1.911 363 629 298 335 108

23 275 357 332 1.467 190 2.403 393 1.177 577 563 164

17 289 363 316 1.439 145 2.261 372 592 391 246 96

29 273 312 313 1.444 154 1.968 365 628 312 250 97

24 241 342 299 1.563 191 2.120 301 685 418 249 76

-17 -12 10 -4 8 24 8 -18 9 34 -0 -22

49 104 632 156 108 522 4 14 211 1.737 330

54 85 558 114 83 416 3 8 208 1.192 250

58 155 737 371 142 569 5 7 344 2.127 350

48 140 678 407 129 413 3 2 359 1.488 150

54 161 660 441 133 423 4 2 334 1.749 210

51 183 640 422 135 464 4 2 375 2.282 280

-6 14 -3 -4 2 10 -

TOTAL

12.265

11.779

9.251

13.275

10.783

10.680

11.735

10

UE-28

12 30

Fuente: WAPA

(-14%) and Sweden (-16%), in each case due to the effects of cold temperatures during the flowering period.

PRODUCTION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM DROPPED SLIGHTLY (-3%).

With regard to quality, calibers are expected to be slightly lower than last year's, both because of temperatures which affected the growth of cells and because of the scarcity of rain in some regions, but in any case, in line with the average of previous years. A general delay in harvesting of at least one week is also expected in most European countries.

VARIETAL TRENDS Table n. 2 shows European production forecasts divided by variety.

The so called "New varieties" (club) continue to grow, exceeding 375,000 tons and increasing by 12% compared to last year.

that caused significant damage in several lowland areas and to some varieties in particular.

After last year's decline, Golden delicious is now back to 2,120,000 tons, 8% more compared to 2020, but still remains far A LOOK AT THE SITUATION IN ITALY The organic production in Italy set a from the record volumes of 2015, 2016 Table 3 shows Italian production forecasts record, with over 203,400 tons, equal to and 2018. Gala continues to grow and is at a regional scale and Table 4 shows the 9.9% of the total, which makes Italy once expected to have record production at varietal analysis. again the leading producer of organic 1,563,000 tons (+8%). The Jonagold cultiapples in Europe. Varietal trends are illusvar marks a 34% increase in production.

Italy's total production is estimated at trated in Table No. 4.

2,045,611 tons, slightly lower than last A 3% reduction is expected for Red Deli- year (-4%). As regards to each region, pro- The Golden Delicious remained steady and cious compared to last year and a decrease duction in Alto Adige is up 5%, but Tren- a 4% higher harvest is expected compared is also estimated for Granny Smith (-18%), tino is back below 500,000 tons, while all to last season, but it is still 14% lower than Cripps pink (-12%) and Fuji (-4%). other regions declined due to spring frosts the average of the last 5 years (excluding AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

95

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Table 3 (t) Forecast 2021/ Cons 2020

Italy

Cons 2016

Cons 2017

Cons 2018

Cons 2019

Cons 2020

Forecast 2021

Ton. Alto Adige Trentino Veneto Friuli V.G. Lombardy Piedmont Emilia Romagna Others

1.063.676 535.140 218.177 40.606 32.466 177.701 169.260 35.000

910.766 205.026 176.247 43.660 26.310 141.770 165.504 35.000

991.934 565.064 216.861 42.377 25.995 203.673 178.177 40.000

976.956 472.513 173.648 42.189 23.876 198.727 162.677 45.000

902.015 533.053 199.825 44.890 24.814 219.556 154.488 45.000

945.782 493.545 172.803 42.250 19.170 177.768 149.293 45.000

5 -7 -14 -6 -23 -19 -3

2.272.027

1.704.283

2.264.081 125.516

2.095.586 155.909

2.123.640 190.871

2.045.611 203.487

-4 7

TOTAL Organic

Source: Assomela/CSO

2017). Also, the Gala variety is stable compared to last year and with its 378,000 tons it is the second variety in Italy.

point of view, there are no particular problems. The Asian bug appears to be at the moment less present than in 2019 but the population seems higher than last year and therefore the situation is being monitored very carefully.

Red Delicious production dropped by 18%, as well as Granny Smith (-31% on 2020) and Renetta (-31% on 2020), which are the varieties most affected by the effects of As of today, we can forecast a quantity of the spring cold. Fuji dropped by 9% com- apples destined for the fresh market of pared to last year. At a European scale, the 1,769,377 tons, slightly down compared to new varieties reached a record of 138,000 last year, a volume 6% lower than last year tons, particularly club varieties, which and 8% below the average of the previous increased by 37% compared to 2020. five years (except 2017).

The spring frosts have certainly had an impact also on quality, with calibers lower than 2020, but in any case, in line with the previous years and a delay in the harvest of about one week in most of the Italian production areas. From a phytosanitary

96

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

FORECASTS FOR THE 2021/2022 SEASON At the moment, Prognosfruit data allow us to have quite good expectations for the 2021/2022 commercial season, although certainly not as good as in the previous

two years. The expected production is regular, in line with the average of the previous years in spite of spring frosts and strong hailstorms that have affected several production areas, in Italy as well as in Europe.

The climatic conditions which are at the moment cooler and the slight delay in the development could favor a recovery of the caliber of fruits.

To date, a quantity of apples for the fresh market of 1,769,377 tons can be expected, slightly lower than last year (-6%) and the average of the previous five years (-8%) (excluding 2017).

It is worth noting a consistently high production for Gala in Europe while the main

Table 4 (t) ITALY Tons Golden Del. Red Del. Imperatore Stayman Gala Granny Glosster Elstar Annurca Pippin Jonagold Jonathan Braeburn Idared Fuji Pinova / Evelina Cripps Pink Other new Other TOTAL Industry apples Total table apples

Prev.2021/ Cons 2020

Cons 2015

Cons 2016

Cons 2017

Cons 2018

Cons 2019

Cons 2020

Prev. 2021

946.575 255.583 46.101 14.188 330.368 176.446 83 281

929.727 246.964 48.794 13.774 332.451 160.261 39 234

549.833 192.781 53.754 7.753 286.517 152.925 57 185

858.423 267.888 57.529 7.405 338.652 166.780 24 201

802.089 224.729 47.717 2.454 351.043 128.195

703.052 237.207 54.118 1.930 379.639 167.715 -

729.286 194.238 51.492 1.778 378.089 115.594 -

4 -18 -5 -8 -0 -31

45.000

-

35.000

35.000

40.000

45.000

45.000

29.149 9.855 18 78.664 1.746 189.319

35.000 29.637 5.267 28 84.058 777 167.846

5.625 4.232 6 59.482 1.049 157.061

21.786 5.172

87.076

108.634

97.980

86.177

108.526

100.045

33.399 5.498 10 63.224 810 175.548 102.415 146.275

158.412 40.832 91.660 78.549 44.270

32.744 2.535 42.752 166.540 44.160 99.256 101.652 45.343

2.286.628

2.272.027

1.704.283

2.264.081

2.095.586

2.123.643

2.045.612

-4

277.482

266.179

303.604

309.346

369.075

249.158

256.492

3

2.009.146

2.005.848

1.400.679

1.954.735

1.726.511

1.874.484

1.769.377

-6

53.679

22.596 -31 4.540 79 40.061 -6 152.242 -9 40.809 -8 84.079 -15 139.246 37 46.561 3

Source: Assomela/CSO

variety Golden delicious remained stable, Sales in 2021 need to be monitored for paign is entering its final phase without but with a low production compared to the transport situation, especially those any particular problems, with the aim of the average of previous years. The harvest overseas where there is still a lack of con- ending the apple stocks of the 2020 haris estimated to be very good in Poland, a tainers for the fruit and vegetable sector vest by September and thus opening the key country in determining the balance in general. next year in the best conditions. of the European market. With the growth of the Polish harvest, the competition for The organic production of apples also The Italian apple-growing sector continthe volumes of varieties on the export remains increasingly important, a sector ues to work to improve the environmenmarket increases, as well as the volume that sees Italy as a leader in Europe, where tal impact, as well as the social and ecodestined to the processing sector, a sec- there has been an important growth from nomic aspects of sustainable production, tor which seems to be quite receptive at 5% in 2018 to 9% in 2020, in addition to with the support of an organization that the moment. Spain has also increased its the almost 10% estimated for 2021. In this encourages the adoption of strategies and production, which consequently raises the case, both at national and European scale, decisions that are fundamental to both level of competition for Italian exports. In it will be necessary to monitor and sup- the environment and the profitability of this regard, the availability of medium siz- port consumption dynamics in order to producers, which are major objectives in es, appreciated by different markets, rep- ensure the correct price differential. the new Common Agricultural Policy.  resents an important element of benefit for the sector.

The sales plans for 2020-2021 were well complied with and the commercial cam-

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Vegetables

Antonio Ruiz, commercial director of Murgiverde:

“It is necessary for the vegetable production to be adapted to the demand and to create strategic alliances with retailers” The 2020/21 campaign came to a close in Almeria with a total of 3.96 million tons of fruit and vegetables produced. This volume is 9.3% greater than that of the previous season, according to data from the agricultural organization Asaja. However, neither the production nor the marketing of Almeria’s products have been free of challenges, given the growing competition from third countries, the impact of the pandemic and the restrictions, or the uncertainty caused by the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union. These have been major challenges for the sector. Also, as in every season, a factor that has certainly determined the development of the campaign, and which escapes any kind of control, has been the weather.

"The 2020/21 campaign has been a very erratic one, with too many external factors changing the expected scenario," says Antonio Ruiz, commercial director of Murgiverde. "In addition to the consequences on the demand caused by the COVID crisis, which made it more unpredictable, and Brexit, there was also a strike in the handling sector that reduced our produc98

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

continent from its 32,320 hectares of greenhouses (+1.2% than in the previous campaign). "In the greenhouses of Almeria we are not prepared to produce in the cold and we had two weeks with extraordinarily low night temperatures. At those temperatures, the plants became inactive and stop producing, which caused a shortage of vegetables after the storm ended.

Depending on the type of plant, the effects were felt sooner or later, but the truth is that they were noticeable," says Antonio Ruiz.

"In the short term, there was a clear shortage of cucurbits, zucchini and cucumbers. tion capacity. And in January we were hit In the case of zucchini, Morocco continby the impact of storm Filomena, which ued to have enough production and the caused a drastic drop in the supply in the shortage was not so extreme, but in that second part of the campaign." of cucumbers there were real problems.

As for bell peppers and tomatoes, the Almeria suffered the effects of exception- shortage became noticeable two months ally low temperatures in the province, at later, which is when the fruits of the flowa time - in the middle of winter - when it ers affected in January were missing. As was supplying fresh produce to an entire a result of this drop in the supply, price

records were broken in the second part of of tomatoes, whose production area has the season. It has been a very uneven year fallen again this season by more than for the producers, because despite the high 7% compared to the 2019/20 campaign. prices recorded earlier in the campaign, "Tomatoes are the most affected vegetalater on, in November and December, the ble this season in terms of loss of hectares, prices of products such as cucumbers, zuc- although it should be noted that the acrechini, tomatoes or eggplant collapsed." age devoted to specialties is increasing. In recent years, the profitability of tomatoes The warm temperatures in the fall acceler- has not been at the level it should be. It is ated the Spanish production, which result- a very labor-intensive crop and the prices ed in an oversupply that was amplified by it is reaching are not sufficient to cover imports, and which actually led the sector those costs. Also, Spanish tomatoes face to decide to withdraw up to 30% of the very strong competition from the Nethmarketable cucumber production in ear- erlands in the case of vine tomatoes, and ly December to try to curb the deep price from Morocco in that of loose tomatoes," crisis that this particular product was suf- says the commercial director of Murfering. giverde. "The Netherlands is able to supply its vine tomatoes all year round thanks to BELL PEPPERS CONTINUE GAINING its illuminated productions and has disGROUND WHILE THE TOMATO placed us from the market, and Morocco ACREAGE IS REDUCED is growing more every year without any The acreage devoted to bell peppers and kind of control and is already reaching their production volume have increased all markets with a very cheap tomato. We again this season in Almeria, with increas- cannot compete against that." es of over 5% compared to last season. This vegetable thus consolidated its leadership "70% OF OUR PRODUCTION IS in the greenhouses of the province, where ALREADY ORGANIC" average prices at origin have reached the The commitment to organic agriculture highest level of the last four campaigns. is also growing in the province, and Murgiverde is an example of this. "Seventy per"Pepper is a safer product in terms of prof- cent of our production, which amounts to itability and it requires less labor than about 200 million kilos per year, is already other crops. There is a tendency to plant organic, with peppers as one of our main late varieties, with the exception of areas products. The rest of our production is such as Dalías, Berja or Níjar, where, due conventional and is supplied to the custo climate limitations, early plantings pre- tomers who demand such products," he dominate," says Antonio Ruiz. "Also, Israel, says. "We have partners all over Europe, which used to be a major competitor in the including the UK, France, Germany, the European bell pepper market, has been Netherlands, Switzerland, Scandinavia, focused on the Russian market since the Poland, the Czech Republic, Belgium and, veto was imposed on European fruit and of course, Spain, where we mainly work vegetables, leaving more room for Spanish with watermelons." bell peppers," he says.

"More and more importance is being givThere have also been slight increases in en to organic products in all countries, the acreage devoted to eggplant, cucum- as well as more space on the shelves of ber and zucchini, although at the expense large retailers. This has led to an increase

in the volume of business in the organic segment, but it has also meant that prices have become more volatile, because there is also much more intermediation than there was before. In fact, there have been times during the season when organic products have occasionally been cheaper than conventional ones," says Antonio. "It is true that organic prices have suffered some deflation in recent years, but it is a sector in which there is still a lot of room for growth. We have been committed to organic farming for a long time and our know-how and knowledge of organic production has been the key to our success.

All the production, whether organic or conventional, faces the challenge of adapting to the demand and avoiding imbalances, be it for excesses or shortages or for supplies out of schedule, says Antonio Ruiz. "It is necessary to do so in the short term, and with the new competitors that are appearing on the scene, in the short-medium term we will also need to create strategic alliances with retailers, which are our biggest sales channel."

Also, the development of the campaigns will be increasingly subject not only to planning, but also to the weather, since, as the international scientific community has made clear, climate change is a reality that will make the future scheduling of the productions much more challenging.

"In the medium/long term, it will also be important to search for varieties adapted to both the climate and market needs. And this won’t only be necessary in the long term; there is currently a lack of small late-season peppers able to set at low temperatures. We have to focus not only on what the producers are looking for, without forgetting profitability, but also on what the customers demand," he says. 

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Maurits van de Water (Van de Water Fruit Group) on Burg Machine Fabriek installations

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Fortunately we have gained a lot of experience with this over the last fifteen years,” says Joan van Burg, who expects more and more packing stations and cooperatives to invest in water purification.

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China

South American fruit faces obstacles and opportunities in the Chinese market South American avocados in stores

South America is without a doubt one of the largest suppliers of imported fruit for the Chinese market, and in recent years the growth of imports from South America has been exceptionally fast. However, the cost of shipping is rising, there is a temporary shortage of shipping containers, and the Covid-19 pandemic is still raging. These factors undoubtedly present importers and exporters with a number of challenges. Some importers shared their experience with fruit imports from South America and discussed both the problems they face and the huge potential of South American fruit in the Chinese market.

TRANSPORT CAPACITY IS A PROBLEM, IMPORTERS REDUCE IMPORT VOLUME TO REDUCE RISK The problems with global shipping have been ongoing for several months now. In many areas exporters are unable to secure cargo space. Manager Zhang, a spokesper102

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

containers that were supposed to arrive over a period of 4 weeks all arrive at the same time. The unreliability of shipping creates a lot of uncertainty in the market.

Even worse, the extended shipping period affects the product quality of our import fruit. Sometimes the fruit has begun to rot because the shipment was delayed and the shipping containers were stuck in port.

Even a single rotten fruit can affect the entire crate and reduce the overall product quality.”

As well as oranges and tangerines, bananson for the import department at Zheji- as face the same obstacles. A Shangang Xiangguo Trade, said, “Take Peruvian hai-based importer of South American oranges as an example, we used to import bananas said, “In addition to shipping around 5 shipping containers per week, problems, the sudden rise of Southeast and the supply volume was always sta- Asian bananas also weakens the position ble. Now, however, the port has a back log of South American bananas in the Chinese of shipping containers. Sometimes the 20 market. We reduced our import volume of

South American bananas by nearly 60% this year.”

SOME FRUITS DO WELL IN THE CHINESE MARKET Last year, Brazilian muskmelons obtained permission to enter the Chinese market for the first time. Despite the impact of the pandemic, the small number of traders who gave the Brazilian muskmelons a chance, and delivery delays, Chinese importers were still optimistic about the market prospects of Brazilian muskmelons. They will continue to import these melons this season. One Guangzhou-based importer said, “Objective analysis shows that the pandemic greatly affected the import fruit market. Overall conditions were not great last year. For many import fruits the sales conditions were far from ideal. And the Brazilian muskmelon is a high-end market product with a relatively high price. Chinese consumers were not yet familiar with this muskmelon from Brazil and the overall consumer power was weakened by the impact of the pandemic. It is therefore understandable that the sales conditions were not as good as expected, but there is huge market poten-

tial in China for such unique product vari- wide variety of consumer demands, espeeties.” cially from mid- to high-end consumers in China.”

Another importer agreed, “Suppliers of Brazilian muskmelons need to cultivate In recent years the avocado has gained the market and familiarize Chinese con- much popularity. From salads to cooked sumers with this new product variety. meals, the avocado is everywhere. A First, Brazilian muskmelons arrive in Chi- growing number of Chinese consumers na during the off season of domestic musk- arefamiliar with the avocado and enjoy melons. Only a small volume of muskmel- this food. ProHass recently released data ons from Hainan supplies the market, but that shows that Peru expects to export a the overall market supply volume is limit- total of 470,000 tons of avocados to China ed. In other words, Brazilian muskmelons in 2021. That is 29.2% more than last year. arrive at the right time to fill a gap in the Peru is already the largest supplier of avomarket. Second, only a few countries have cados to the Chinese market because Peru permission to export muskmelons to the can guarantee a stable, year-round supply Chinese market, including Brazil, Myan- of high-quality avocados. mar, and Kyrgyzstan. Muskmelons from Myanmar are staple products. They arrive CONSUMERS PAY MORE ATTENTION in large volumes and are relatively cheap TO IMPORTED FRUIT because the product quality is not as good The ‘cherry incident’ in January, when as that of Brazilian muskmelons. Further- traces of Covid-19 were found on importmore, the appearance and flavor of Brazil- ed cherries, definitely had an impact on ian muskmelons is much more distinctive. the market conditions of imported fruit The flavor is crisp, fresh and sweet, but in China. Although experts urge Chinese not greasy, and the strong melon rind is consumers to look at the ‘cherry incident’ covered in beautiful patterns. And a sin- from a rational viewpoint, the consumer gle muskmelon can weigh as much as 3kg. attitude has become more conservative.

These muskmelons are able to satisfy a In addition, retailers have some worries.

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China

Checking avocado quality in ripen facilities

If a test in their store comes back positive, underestimated. Questions about food then there is a risk the entire stock will be safety, product quality, and health immedestroyed and personnel will be isolated. diately spark spirited debates online,” Only the absolute lowest prices can con- said one cherry importer. vince retailers to take the risk. After the ‘cherry incident’, Chinese consumers have At the same time, experts in the import become stricter about the product qual- market call for more transparency, “when ity of fruit, and especially imported fruit. importers supply fruit, they should also They pay close attention to food safety supply the consumers with information issues. about the preventative measures, disinfection procedures, and various tests “This incident was a warning shot for the results that help guarantee food safety in fruit import industry. The Chinese market the fruit import industry. Imported fruit is rapidly developing, and market infor- meets strict standards, and information mation quickly circulates on social media. about procedures will help convince conThe power of social media should not be sumers for imported fruit is closely monitored along every step of the way.”

According to manager Yi, spokesperson for Guizhou Shouyang Enterprise Management, “we have 17 distribution centers and we purchase imported fruit from all around the globe. Our retail network covers the entire country. However, when we look at our sales figures, the fastest-growing market is in China’s southwest. This area receives a lot of economic support from the country. One of the focus areas of government programs for poverty relief is construction in Guizhou province. The income levels of the local population have greatly improved in the last few years.

Many young people who sought opportunities in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou,

Market demand for imported fruit grows fast in China’s southwest

Importers at production location

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Imported fruit is no longer an expensive, exclusive product for wealthy consumers in first-tier cities. The living standards in second- and third-tier cities are rising quickly and so is the consumption of imported fruit. Import cherries, blueberries, and grapes have all become a common sight in the market.

Promoting cherries on online live broadcasting

and Shenzhen, are now returning to China’s southwest with resources and new ideas about consumption. These young people also bring with them preferences for products that are popular in first-tier cities, such as imported fruit. That is why the supply of high-end fruit and imported fruit in China’s southwest is rapidly growing more diverse,” said manager Yi. “We hope that overseas suppliers will see the huge potential of markets in China’s southwest.”

“Direct purchase from production areas” is a growing trend According to manager Huang of the Shanghai International Fruit Expo, price and product quality are no longer the only factors that play a role in market competition. Marketing and management capacity become more and more important.

“In the past, when there was a shortage in the domestic market, a trader could go to Guangzhou and import goods, then transfer them to their local market and make a profit. Then they had to go one step further and purchase directly from the production area. Now even that era is gone and will not come back. The market is growing more transparent, and in some cases the prices in production areas and wholesale markets are upside down.

There is a lot of pressure on the profit margin. Traders need to manage their supply chain and provide services for retail channels. However, retail channels are not that easily serviced, the maximization of gross profit requires a capacity to provide services throughout the country. This is an indication that the era of individual entrepreneurs is over. Traders have to set up modern enterprises, pay attention to management, set up systems, and establish long-term development

Shouyang fruit store in SouthWest China

goals. In addition, they need to prepare for competitive market advantage. I think difficulties, accumulate savings, diversify that direct purchase in production areas development, look beyond the borders to a will be the main trend in the fruit marglobal market, fine-tune operations, take ket in the coming years. Of course not all risks, lay equal stress on long-distance companies have the ability to secure supand short-distance connections, maintain ply from production areas. This requires day-to-day growth, and firmly grasp fleet- years of experience and specialized ing opportunities.” knowledge, and the careful construction of communication channels. We have also Manager Yang of Shouyang Enterprise invested a lot of time, effort, and financial Management agreed, “there is a trend resources to slowly grow a distribution towards close cooperation with produc- network that connects many production tion areas. Personal connections in pro- areas and markets in China and abroad.”  duction areas can help secure a stable supply of high-quality, fresh produce. And the elimination of intermediaries cuts down the cost price of fruit, which improves its

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Grapes

Grapes represent a dynamic sector in Italy, but attention must be paid to costs to remain competitive According to ISTAT data, the average investment in grapes in Italy is around 47,000 hectares (average 2016-2020) with a slightly upward trend in recent years. Year 2020 closes with almost 47,500 hectares, a stable quantity compared to the 2019 season. Production averages a little over 1,000,000 tons per year, higher then in the last three years, while in the 2016-2017 period it was slightly lower and around 980,000 tons; year 2020 closes with around 1,040,000 tons, 3% more compared to the 2019 campaign.

T

decreased both in terms of investments and production in 2020.

EXPORT Around 46% of the total grape production is exported; on average, exports are around 460,000 tons per year (2016-2020 period). In 2020, we shipped 7% more abroad compared to 2019, which shows a flexion compared to previous years. In the three-year period 2016-2018, more than 470,000 tons of table grapes were exported, the highest export was in 2017 with about 490,000 tons.

he most productive Italian region is production slightly increased compared Apulia, its supremacy was consolida- to the previous year (+4%) with over ted over time and in 2020 the quantities 360,000 tons. reached more than 600,000 tons, up 2% The value is also increasing, with +14% compared to those of the 2019 season, for This is followed by the Italian regions of increase in 2019 and about 720 million stable surfaces, about 25,000 hectares per Latium, Abruzzo and Basilicata, with a euros thanks to an average price that risyear. constant surface area and productivity es to 1.60 €/Kg and ranks as the highest in in 2020 compared to the previous season. the last five years.

The other main producing region, Sici- The smaller regions where grape cultivaly, also maintained steady investments tion is a bit more marginal, such as Tus- In 2020, almost 90% of table grape exports in 2020, around 18,000 hectares, with cany and Emilia Romagna, seem to have were directed to European Union counAGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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Grapes

tries (28), volumes are up 5% compared to the 2019 season.

Outside the European community, 9% of the total was sent to non-EU countries (28) with quantities in sharp increase on 2019 Within this macro area, Germany retains thanks to exports to the United Kingdom the leadership with 30% of the total and which have been in business since March with quantities up by fourteen percent- 2020. There was an increase in shipments age points compared to last year (over to Switzerland, the main destination in 136,000 tons); the second market in order this macro area, +16% in 2019 to 5% of the of importance is France, with 21% of the total while exports to Norway were stable total and shipments up by 15% in 2019. compared to the 2019 season.

This is followed by Poland at 10% of the total and volumes ten percentage points To Middle Eastern countries, at 1% of the higher than those shipped in 2019. Spain total, shipments in 2020 dropped by 27% and the Czech Republic each accounted compared to the more substantial ones for 5% of the total shipping and Italy also of 2019; Saudi Arabia was sent 15% more exported more to these countries than than the previous season while those last year (+4% and +12% respectively). to the United Arab Emirates decreased Volumes were also up for Austria, Bel- (-33% compared to the 2019 campaign). gium and the Netherlands to which Italy shipped 3% of the total each. Shipments to Exports to North America, mainly the Slovakia and Hungary were down, by -4% United States, are still limited and below and -27% respectively compared to the 1000 tons per year, with an increase in volumes of the previous season.

2020 over 2019.

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Exports of grapes to African countries are in sharp decline compared to the volumes shipped in the previous year. The product is primarily shipped to the Ivory Coast and Ghana.

Exports to South American countries are still irrelevant and with lower quantities than in the recent past; in 2020 the main destination was Ecuador with about 200 tons shipped.

CONSUMPTION In 2020, Italian families bought about 146,000 tons of grapes, a volume that was 18% higher than in 2019, a year in which the species lost ground compared to the previous three years when the average purchase was around 150,000 tons.

According to GfK data processed by CSO Italy, despite being marked by restrictions dictated by the rise of Covid-19, this year

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has not affected the grapes mainly due to the seasonality of the species that sees consumption concentrated in the period from July to November, with 90% of purchases.

Varietal improvement, which has been underway for several years, may have contributed to the appreciation of grapes for domestic consumption, in fact the penetration index has increased from 60% in the period 2016-2019 to 63% in the last year. It is likely that seedless grapes are increasingly appreciated in households where there are children or young people under the age of 15. On the other hand, there was no impact from the increase in the average purchase price from the average €2.02/kg in the 2016-19 period to €2.17/kg in 2020 (+7%).

In 2020, 71% of table grapes were purchased from large-scale distribution retail channels. More specifically, supermarkets accounted for 42% of volumes with 61,500 tons, followed by discounters with 15%, hypermarkets 11% and the remaining 2% was accounted for by supermarkets/ smaller outlets. All retail outlets in the organized distribution sector are seeing an increase in purchases compared to 2019, a situation that does not apply to traditional channels where greengrocers reported a drop in volumes to 16,400 tons (-4% on 2019), accounting for 11% of volumes. On the other hand, street and district markets are growing, accounting for 16% of the total grapes.

This recovery in grapes is led by purchases in the central and northern areas. The most significant increase is in the regions of Central Italy and Sardinia with +31% and a 24% share of total volumes, followed by the North East with +21%, and finally the North West, where the largest share of purchases is concentrated (32%), with a 14% increase in 2020 compared to 2019.

The regions of the South and Sicily also recorded an increase of +9%, a value that is undoubtedly positive, but below the double-digit increases indicated above.

With regard to purchases of organic grapes, volumes in 2020 are back in line with those before 2019, rising to around 12,000 tons, while the average purchase price remains high, standing at €2.18/kg for organic products compared to €2.00/ kg for conventional goods.

Although the results are partial and not representative of the outcome of the year, the first 5 months of this 2021 showed a total of 6,700 tons of table grapes purchased by families for home consumption

Donato Fanelli

(+24%). It will therefore be necessary to wait for the data in the next few months in order to define the year with greater certainty.

THE FUTURE Salvatore Lodico, fruit grower and president of the Consortium for the protection and promotion of the Canicattì Igp-labelled grape, highlighted the new developments in the Italian grape sector.

ly overcome by taste. The average age of consumers of seeded grapes is higher than that of consumers of seedless grapes, and the purchase is strongly oriented towards the pursuit of tastiness, which in seeded grapes is still often higher than in many seedless varieties," continued Lodico.

Donato Fanelli, farmer and member of the Italian Grape Commission within the fruit and vegetable industry's inter-professional organization declared that "The "While up until a few years ago the har- Italian table grape sector shows great vest months were no more than four to opportunities. It is one of the few sectors five, today in Sicily we harvest from May where investments are increasing, comto December and, if the weather allows it, pared to other crops, such as stone fruits, even in January. This is possible thanks where the uprooting of orchards (peachto varietal innovation, which marks a es, nectarines and cherries) continues, strong change in consumption. The new especially in the south of Italy. The grape generations, especially teenagers, prefer sector, on the other hand, appears to be seedless table grapes and this has led pro- one with high added value and a strong ducers to adapt, by planting new varieties drive towards innovation. We are encourthat can satisfy the tastes of the younger aged by the data and optimistic about the generation, which will represent a large future, but we should also think about how proportion of our consumers. We are get- to qualify the product grown in Italy. Our ting more and more requests for seedless problem is production costs (which in Itagrapes from foreign supermarket chains, ly are among the highest in the whole of while the Italian ones are starting to give Europe) in a competitive environment in us interesting feedback. The demand for terms of prices.” snack-type packaging is also increasing.

We have already started to innovate in In conclusion, with regard to environmenthis direction, and it will not stop in the tal sustainability, Fanelli noted that "This coming years," said Lodico. is an aspect that is increasingly being felt by producers and consumers. There is a "Interest in traditional grapes has not growing awareness on the commitment stopped, however grapes with seeds also on the part of farmers to minimize envihave a consolidated market both in Italy ronmental impact by saving water, using and in France, where people prefer sweet fewer pesticides and making greater use grapes with a muscat aftertaste. In this of recyclable materials. There is still a lot case, the consumer is totally unaffected to be done, but we are on the right track". by the presence of seeds in the berries. It  is a minor flaw, which is more than likeAGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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Organic

Lieven Vanlommel, Foodmaker’s vision

“We're using nudging to link everything”

In November 2020, Foodmaker won the prestigious Belgian Mercurius award. That was for their rapid, well-thought-out transition to a healthy-food-at-home concept. That, in turn, was in response to the corona crisis and its many challenges. CEO Lieven Vanlommel continues to build on his forebears' vegetable foundation. The company’s now interacting directly with consumers, both at home and at work.

You've been called a rock star entrepreneur. Do you see yourself as such?

I founded my first company in 1996 when I was 18. I won the 'young entrepreneur of the year' award in 2012 and 'Personality of the year' in 2018. And now the Mercurius prize. I'm proud of these. They have brought me renown as a Belgian pioneer in the world of healthy food. I've always deliberately sought out free publicity, as we didn't have large marketing budgets. I knew you then have to do something playful or inspiring. So we really do bring a bit of rock 'n' roll to healthy food.

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Is your company a friendship club?

Foodmaker is built on friendships with like-minded people who put in the work.

Jeroen Meus [a well-known Belgian TV chef, ed.] is a former classmate. He made our first penne arrabbiata. And we appointed my good friend Jeroom Snelders [a cartoonist and permanent member of the Belgian TV program, De slimste mens, jury, ed.] as creative director. My wife Marijke develops products in our kitchen.

And my brother-in-law Wouter takes care of our partnerships. My mother also still works with us.

Isn’t rock-'n-roll and health a strange combination?

We began at a festival, somewhere where you don't expect to find healthy food. It became a thing. So, I got a lot of media attention before I even started. That was What's the deal with Foodmakers fantastic. We made 400 meals a day and ambassadors? sold out every day. Rockstar - that's not We give them personalized dietary plans. what it's about for me at all. We now have These are footballers, hockey and tennis a lot of friends and ambassadors in that players, skaters, and taekwondo martial world and whom we support nutritional- artists. They're at the top of their game ly. Whether you're busy with sports, busi- and know how good nutrition can benefit ness, or the media. You have to eat healthi- them. Take [cyclist ed.], Matthieu van der ly; else, you simply can't keep it up.

Poel. It's the first time we supported him for an entire tour, which he won. Or Bel-

Foodmaker grow sweet potatoes in their own fields and has obtained organic vegan agriculture certification

gian comedian Philippe Geubels. He had finicky. It can be fun too. That's important. food for 15 years. Some team members a metabolic age of 47. Then he did two I want to pass along a positive message. have been with us for as many years, weeks of our Back-on-track program, and starting as apprentices. We all, therefore, that age dropped to 37. "Lieven," he said to How did COVID-19 affect your company? know each other very well; that's why me, "you've changed my life. I now under- It hit us very hard. Our turnover fell by we're on the same wavelength. Before the stand what I have to do."

40%, to €35 million. We made a loss of €4 pandemic, it was hectic, but the restaurant million but were still breaking even in the closures gave us time.

Isn't the healthy message too finicky?

2019 investment year. Fourteen FoodmakOur message about nutrition is crystal er restaurants were closed for months. We were able to use that time to check clear. I believe that you shouldn't add sug- Most of them are in Belgium, where you the processes. What's going wrong; what ar to food. I think it's carcinogenic, and get a €4,000/four restaurants subsidy, at are we doing right? We were making I'm very against it. But if the media takes most. My most expensive restaurant's rent unimportant products too. They just cost a negative view of it, you have a problem, is €45,000/month. Then you know you money, so we scrapped them. The team's which is what I don't want. I've been say- have some work to do. connectivity and work quality improved. ing the same thing for 20 years. Don't give Ultimately, we were all working toward your body rubbish. Your body has to pro- And its effect on your team? the same goal - keeping the company cess that, and it tires you out. Eat healthy We immediately tried to remain positive. afloat. So, the Mercurius Prize also honors food, and your body will thank you. Your We didn't think, "Oh, we're bankrupt." No, the whole team. mind will say, "Good job." That's a great we thought about how to solve things. message to convey. It doesn't have to be Foodmaker has been working on healthy

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Looking ahead, how will you recover?

We connect everything to form a nudging Is the plan to begin Foodmaker business When I started out, four percent of peo- formula. It’s like when you reach more catering a good one? Won't some people ple thought about healthy eating. Today, quickly for something if it's at eye level. continue to work from home posteven pre-COVID-19, 46% consider that People who want to eat healthily can have COVID-19? when they have a meal or snack. But they meals delivered to their office. Or they Yes, it is; we're going to continue expandstill don't eat healthy enough. In the Neth- can get it at the supermarket or one of ing. We've developed profitable concepts erlands, healthy food is considered too our restaurants. We bring the message to for an unmanned canteen. It has a refrigexpensive. Belgians are hedonistic and people in any way we can. And it's always erated wall containing healthy, pre-packdon't want healthy food. There’s always the same message - healthy food does you aged meals. As well as for a one-personsomething. Now I simply say: 'Think about good, it makes you feel good, and it cer- run salad bar and a Foodmaker restaurant it'. Everyone understands the importance tainly makes you look good. within companies. We do things differof healthy food, and it's more at the foreently from traditional company canteens. front of people's minds. I'm We prepare all our dishes convinced that after the in our central kitchen. So, pandemic’s over, people then, in the business cafwill consider their health eterias, they don't have to even more; they'll opt for prepare meals. You only healthy solutions. need people to heat them up. It costs us less money, Foodmaker is going to so we can scale up quickly. focus on company restauWe also supply office lunch rants with our new conboxes for small locations or cepts. From October 2021, employees working from we'll be opening a new home.

Foodmaker restaurant every month. We're going Do businesses take to add to our 250 salenough responsibility for ad bars. These are in the their workers' health?

French Monoprix, Belgian It used to be a case of, Delhaize, and Dutch Albert "We're providing beveragHeijn supermarkets. This es and snacks". Soon, it'll year, we're adding 300 be, "Let's enjoy a healthy more salad bars at these meal together'. [The Belstores. Furthermore, we're gian bank ed.] KBC orders fully committed to new 1,200 healthy meal boxes online concepts in Belgium from us. They already get and the Netherlands. And, it. with Foodmaker home delivery, we're at consumWe think employers should ers' doorsteps, both at at least offer their staff home and at work. the chance to eat healthily. We unburden them What have home in that respect. We offer deliveries brought you? the best organic fennel Our website visitor numsoup or tomato soup and bers increased fivefold. a spelt sandwich. Then, for That's crazy. Digital con€2, employees get all the tact with consumers is very vitamins, minerals, and possible. Social media's calories they need to pernegative side is often highform for four hours. Plus, lighted because people it benefits your mind and spout negativity on social body. That's the transiforums. We see the oppotion we've made. Your diet site. We used to inspire doesn't have to become people a little online with a photo; now, For example, we've launched the Back-on- more expensive; it has to become more we can convey our message far easier. We track concept. This four-meal box's mes- plant-based. That's very clear. But for comreach consumers in their homes. We learn sage is, "Simply eat these meals, and you'll panies, it has to be really well-thought-out much better what they like and don't like, feel better. Oh, and even better, you'll lose and definitely easy. when to respond or not. This interaction between one and three kgs.’ Of those who with people who inspire and encourage order this box, 60% continue to do so. In Belgium, we have company canteens us - that's what we want, it's what helps us, That's amazing - they eat Foodmaker three at places like Proximus' head office and and why we do what we do. We want con- times a day. Before the pandemic, people Engie. They're already doing very well. sumers to be happy. bought our products on a whim. Now, it's We've now opened the first Foodmaker a deliberate choice - I want Foodmaker, cafeteria in a school. They also teach about Does this online presence help sales? and I make sure it's in the house because nutrition there, which I think is great. it helps me. It's the next step.

We're in talks with ten other schools too.

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What's the idea behind Living on the Are vegetables in your blood?

Last year we harvested 100 tons of sweet vedge?

My great-grandfather was a greengro- potatoes from our own fields, so we don't Everything we produce includes vegeta- cer, and my parents ran a vegetable pro- import them anymore. It took three years bles. There are all kinds of diets, like veg- cessing plant. Vegetables inspire me. I to achieve that, but we succeeded. I think an, gluten-free, or keto. But you have to eat love them. My mother laid the foundation that's fantastic. as many vegetables as possible, prefera- for this in the 80s already. She came up bly 50% per meal. Nutritional discussion with salads with a yogurt dressing. She In the summer, we make good use of our aside, vegetables are our philosophy. And thought smothering vegetables with may- farms. We can extend that to September or we supplement those with the minerals, onnaise and ketchup meant you could no October, thanks to our greenhouses. We carbohydrates, oils, and macronutrients longer taste the vegetables. So she made do certain things ourselves, but we also your body needs. It's not all purely plant- yogurt dressing because then you could buy from Belgian and Spanish growers. based; we have salmon salad and lasagnas still taste the vegetables. That's what we We wash and cut all the vegetables ourwith fish and meat. But that's only five to liked. I actually based my first meal salads selves, after which our chefs process them ten percent of the total production; vege- on those salads. Now we make all sorts into deliciously healthy dishes. tables form the foundation. of things, wraps, sandwiches, pasta. But there are always vegetables in everything. Do you have any waste?

And it doesn't have to be expensive. Many We try our best to make the best salads concepts charge €15 to 20 euros. Then Are you a control freak? in the world, so you won't want to throw you've eaten healthily. I like to be inclusive. If you don't do it yourself, you lose control. any of it out. We're on top of that. The culIn my restaurant, you can have a meal for And I like having things under control. I tivation is organic and recovers its water, €5, but it will be healthy. The guideline have a responsibility to our customers. and all green waste goes back to the field. is: whatever french fries cost, our prod- If I say there are no preservatives and Everything here is made to order, which ucts should cost the same. But, your body dyes in our products, I want to be able to means we have no waste. Our restaurant must like it. That's what we're working assure that. So we do as much as possi- chains work with Too Good To Go or food towards. With our approach, we produce ble in-house. We work, as much as possi- banks. They have less than two percent everything at cost price. We only pass on ble, with ingredients that come from our waste. We have excellent operational manour profit once, which makes our dishes organic farms. We have two organic farms agers who truly understand the value of affordable and, therefore, inclusive. with grains and two with vegetables.

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Salad bar at Albert Heijn

food. The more food you throw away, the more expensive it becomes.

decide, and if they say, "I'm not buying this because it's too expensive", then we get rid of it. That's genuinely how we work.

How do you make vegetables taste good?

I learned during my chef's training. Ingre- How do you develop a longstanding dients make your dish. So that's where it relationship with a retailer? starts. We have a vegetable buyer. He was That began in France. La salade verte a greengrocer until he turned 60. Lots of (green salad) is customary there. Parirestaurants bought from him because his sians are desperate for these. Our letquality was so good. He's been with us for tuce-based products are of exceptional 12 years already. He visits growers, and quality. As a result, we have an advantage if the quality's lacking, it doesn't come in there. Our products fit in perfectly there, here. The quality of vegetables we get is so most of our sales are in France. Our exceptional. biggest customer is the smallest retailer in France. That encouraged us to look for We get to test that in our restaurants. For partnerships. That's why we've had an instance, soup made from organic toma- exclusive decade-long cooperation with toes is just that little bit pricier than one Monoprix in France. And with Delhaize for made from regular tomatoes. If people five years. We're now also working well stop buying in our restaurant, we remove with Albert Heijn. This chain is a market the product from the range. If it sells well, leader in the Netherlands. We'll get going we transfer that product to our retail in Germany, too, after the pandemic's over. range. We do consider development costs.

But if a product has to taste good, we We choose retail partnerships very delibdon't try to lower the price. Consumers erately, based on mutual trust. In France,

Specialist in apples, pears and strawberries

salads don't have to be big, but they must be tasty. In the Netherlands, they have to be very big, and in Belgium, they must be extravagant.

During the pandemic, our collaborations proved to have added value. The salad bars had to close. But at Delhaize, we managed to launch 30 pre-packed meals and products in a very short time. These used to be exclusive to the restaurants, but we could put them to use right away. That also helped the supermarket because they were flooded with demand for meals.

How do you distinguish yourself on the market?

Walk the talk. I've always had a clear vision, which I live by. I'm doing the same thing I did 20 years ago, only on an ever-expanding scale. We're highly specialized in what we do, based on vegetables. Its relevance has now only increased. I used to have to shout much louder to be heard.

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Fr uit ex p o r t

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In 2012, you began a franchise with a former management member of The Greeney. Why did that not work?

We wanted to open a master franchise in the Netherlands. We were still producing for restaurants at that time, just starting with the new Foodmaker idea. They were going to do the same in the Netherlands. But neither of us had a clue about the restaurant business. It was successful but not profitable. And so the party ended after six months. After that, I also said, "We're only going to own restaurants."

Opening a restaurant is a significant risk; three out of ten don't make it.

I began investing in Foodmaker in 2011. And innovation is becoming increasingly Behind the scenes, I'd started working on a important. concept that would appeal to young, working consumers. When I introduced that Our five-person team is busy with product to Foodmaker, turnover doubled. That's development every day. We face challengwhen you know you have a winner. That es very often. We're too far ahead of time, concept has now been fully integrated or the customer doesn't get it. But that's into the company and its product develop- not a problem. We can test our products ment. It was also needed. Other vegetable in our restaurants. If people love it and and meal salads producers like Vezet and keep buying it, we offer that product to Hessing are bombarding retailers. So, the the retail sector. Consumers are our target chance of getting on the shelf is shrinking. group. We reach them via our restaurants, concepts, and retailers.

But we didn't know that then. Knowing what I know now, I'd have loved to still have that shop there, but it wasn't mine.

Today, decisions are data-driven; we know which catch fields are within 200 meters.

We know who the target group is and what the spending patterns are. So, there's less chance of failure. Three years ago, we arrived in The Hague. And just before COVID-19 hit, we had to change the halls - they were too small.

You've recently entered into another franchise. Is this a second attempt?

We are an international organisation which has been importing and exporting fruit from every corner of the globe for over 100 years

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Production plant / offices

Agricola Frutasol SA Curico CHILE

Otisgraf S.A. Guayaquil ECUADOR

Foodmaker restaurant in Hasselt

I've already mentioned our concepts for company canteens. In Belgium, we do that independently as Foodmaker. In the Netherlands, Appèl is the exclusive partner for the B2B market. And they're opening 30 new Foodmaker company restaurants over the next two years. We're opening our largest restaurant ever at the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam. That's a dream come true. Half of the COVID-19 ICU patients are obese. How do you reduce that number? With vegetables. You need to build up your immune system. How do you do that? With vegetables. We're employing Foodmaker in a hospital to communicate the importance of that.

We'll take body measurements and see meals; we're training in pairs there." Then what nutrients are needed. Don't want to a cyclist with the same problem contactcook? Then you can order the exact ingre- ed me. That got me thinking. 'There must dients you need at Foodmaker, with the be more people with this problem'. And, click of a button. We help answer the ques- so, the home delivery formula was born. tions of what's healthy and what do I need. We got off to a good start with the Dutch Because there's a big difference between postal service. But, it became really big sitting at your desk, taking the dog for a and hip in Belgium. Our online campaign walk now and then, and working all day as brought in the same revenue as ten new a painter. Soon, we'll make digital coach- restaurants. ing available through our app. I think we'll move toward aiding patient nutrition too. In Belgium, we were chosen as the best That's through our Foodmaker restaurant store concept of the year. That's including at Erasmus hospital. all the big retailers, like Decathlon, Ikea, and so on. It was tough financially, but the Aren't you taking a huge risk? public loved what we did. We were soluWhen you expand rapidly, you have to tion-driven, we worked day and night, and Are there any more opportunities in the take risks. On average, a restaurant costs we're flexible. It's about really listening to area of healthy nutrition? €500,000. So, if you start ten, you need €5 your customer and seeing what you can A link to personalized nutrition is the log- million. Before the pandemic, I had set up do with that. Never waste a good crisis. ical next step. We've been following our a new 20,000m2 production kitchen. Then, Let me be clear - I would've preferred not athletes for years. And we can personal- in an instant, we went from 300 people to have had one. But deal with it, we did," ize Matthieu van der Poel's diet to match preparing 100,000 meals to them mak- concludes Lieven.  his training or an upcoming race. We've ing only 10,000. That's my responsibility. info@thefoodmaker.nl developed algorithms to tell you exactly Then you have to do something. www.thefoodmaker.nl what you need to eat to achieve a specific performance. And what you need to eat Our clients clearly indicated that they to recover. Similarly, we can start giving were in it for the long haul with us. But people precise help according to their cost-saving alone didn't solve things. Then dietary requirements, whether vegan or I got a call from Vincent Kompany [Belgian gluten-free. footballer, ed.] "The restaurant in Anderlecht's stadium is closed. Can you deliver AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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Emilio Fuertes, Commercial Director of Planasa for Iberia and Morocco

“We must work on the sector’s image globally and show that Spanish strawberries deserve the recognition we are asking for” Despite last season’s complications, the area planted with strawberries in Huelva will not experience significant changes, while other crops, such as blueberries, are undergoing major varietal reconversions. Spanish strawberries will need to strengthen their image to increase their value and gain respect. Work will have to focus on the earliness and shelf life of the varieties, as well as on improving their reputation in the domestic market.

We interviewed Emilio Fuertes, Planasa's Sales Director for Iberia and Morocco, who reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of the Spanish berry sector, from production all the way to marketing.

The 2020/2021 strawberry campaign was a really difficult one. Could this

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have an impact on the acreage for the coming season? How are things looking in the purchase of plants?

The campaign began with uncertainty and a drop in the production as a result of the weather conditions brought by storm Filomena and, in general, due to a cold winter. However, the truth is that having been able to extend the season, also due to the weather conditions, has allowed us to close the year with a 7.5% increase in turnover, according to the end-of-season balance sheet.

that, overall, the strawberry acreage will remain at around 6,100-6,200 hectares.

It is a highly consolidated crop and one in which Huelva’s sector is an expert. Besides, the climatic conditions are unpredictable in the long term, so I do not think the planting area will be significantly affected by that.

Regarding sales, at Planasa the demand remains at the level expected following the planting of our nurseries. Right now, we are focused on trying to meet the growing demand for our two day-neuThe prospect is that the strawberry area tral varieties, namely Plared 15105 and will continue to evolve as in recent sea- Plared 1525, and especially for the Plared sons, and although there appears to be 15121, which is the short day variety that some transformation of strawberry plots has shown more potential and generated into raspberry or blueberry ones, it seems more interest in Huelva, given its high ear-

liness and productivity, but also its good fruit quality and post-harvest shelf life.

Some operators and representatives of the sector have expressed their concern about how Spanish strawberries are treated in European markets. Do you think this problem is only related to marketing?

I think that we are all part of the strawberry sector, from the breeding companies and nurseries all the way to the producers, marketers and even the European markets themselves. Although it is true that, at specific times, situations or incidents may arise in any link of the chain, I believe that we must work on the sector’s image globally has to work globally and show that Spanish strawberries deserve the recognition we are asking for.

Taking into account that, at least for now, we don’t yet have a tool such as a D.O., for example, a very good way to defend Huelva’s strawberries would be demonstrating the value of the product that is being supplied to these markets and offering objective arguments to support it. I think it is important to continue working on building an image of a serious sector, committed to the challenges ahead, and reliable.

That is how we’ll be ready at any given time to handle fierce competition from other, cheaper, origins, or timely resolve any incident that may damage the sector’s reputation. Huelva is ready to stand for the quality of the service and of its straw-

berries globally. Quality is what will guar- Also, Spanish producers export a very sigantee respect and recognition from the nificant part of their productions, and they markets, and that recognition can then be need the strawberries and the varieties translated into financial profit. they market to reach these destinations, which are thousands of kilometers away, At Planasa, we understand that this is a in good condition. They also need them to long-term task, and we believe that prac- stay in good condition for as long as postically all the companies in the sector are sible; therefore, the second fundamental already on this path. As far as we are con- factor is the fruit’s shelf life and post-harcerned, our R+D center in Cartaya has been vest. working in obtaining varieties adapted to the growing conditions of Huelva, supply- At Planasa we work on several lines of ing growers with the varieties that will research and, specifically, we have well make them more competitive and meet defined the different ideotypes which are the demands of their customers. On the the lines of research for varieties with the other hand, our nurseries in Segovia and attributes that we want them to stand Valladolid have been working to supply out. And it is here where we work to make the highest quality plant material. available this new generation of varieties that provide precocity, flavor, production What issues does the Spanish or hardiness, this last quality being very strawberry sector need to address in important both for organic crops and for terms of genetics and what direction is the whole sector in general.

Planasa taking?

To answer this question, we must first Our message from Planasa is that thanks take into account that due to the current to the historical work carried out in our dynamics of the berry market, Huelva’s R+D center in Cartaya, we make our new strawberry sector needs to start supply- varieties available to the growers of Hueling fruit to the markets (both national and va with the aim of helping our clients to be European) with a certain degree of earli- increasingly competitive and to position ness, since the local European strawberry themselves better in the different markets. seasons are starting increasingly earlier and the possibility of extending the sea- At Planasa we are working on several son will eventually rely on the weather lines of research and, specifically, we have and the supply on the markets. Therefore, properly defined the different ideotypes, I believe that the earliness factor will con- which are the search lines for the variettinue to be a fundamental one. ies with the attributes that we are most interested in. We are working to offer a AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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Advertorial

New Kanzi® campaign to further boost positive sales trend In October 2021 Kanzi® will launch a new campaign based on the established ‘The Power of Great Taste’ brand positioning.

This new campaign builds on the notion that people want to live life to the fullest and that Kanzi® provides the physical and mental energy to embrace every moment of life.

Yes you Kanzi!

To better understand how people get physical and mental energy in daily life and how this relates to ‘living life to the fullest’ EFC explored consumer trends relating to people’s daily energy challenges. Based on outcome of the research EFC has focused in the new campaign on helping people to replenish their energy regularly. Kanzi® is the apple that keeps you going. Its unique sweet-tangy taste and juicy, crunchy bite are instantly refreshing, giving you exactly the right energy to get things done. Whatever it is you want to do today, with Kanzi® you can.

A campaign that can’t be missed The ‘Yes You Kanzi!’ creative idea has been worked out by EFC in a broad range of advertising assets, that will be used by the European Kanzi partners to further boost brand awareness and loyalty among

consumers. From video commercials to radio spots and from engaging social media content to packaging, the Yes You Kanzi! theme will come to life on all elements of the marketing mix to create a truly 360o campaign. From week 40 onwards the campaign will be on-air across Europe.

A high-impact media plan will ensure that the new Kanzi® campaign can’t be missed by the European apple consumer.

Demand for Kanzi® on the rise Demand for Kanzi® is on the rise and Kanzi is experiencing double digit growth in the European market place. Yet also in key markets such as Middle East, Australia, South Africa and the USA Kanzi is gaining popularity. Although the general weather conditions have been challenging during the European growing season, the overall new Kanzi harvest has not been affected.

The European Kanzi partners have a positive outlook on the upcoming 2021-2022 Kanzi season, both in terms of harvest volume as well as from a quality and sizing point of view.

The positive sales trend, instigated by a continuously growing brand awareness and a high percentage of brand loyalty, will certainly be fueled by the new Yes You Kanzi! media campaign.

About EFC EFC has been the variety manager of Kanzi® since 2004. The mission of EFC is to create more value for all parties in the supply chain. EFC realizes this by continuously scouting exceptional varieties and by building successful global brands based on exclusively licensed unique fruit varieties.

Next to Kanzi® EFC has the exclusive rights of Migo® pear and Greenstar® apple.

The licensed European Kanzi® partners: OPST (Austria) – BelOrta (Belgium) – Elbe Obst, Obst vom Bodensee, VEOS, WOG (Germany) – VIP, VOG (Italy) – Fenaco, TOBI (Switzerland) – FruitMasters (The Netherlands) – Scripps (United Kingdom).

new generation of varieties that provide precocity, flavor, production or hardiness.

The latter is actually very important both for organic crops and for the whole sector in general.

The message that Planasa wishes to share is that thanks to the work carried out in our R+D center in Cartaya, we are making new varieties available to the growers of Huelva with the aim of helping our clients become increasingly competitive and to position themselves better in the various markets.

What do you think the future of Spanish strawberries could be like in the coming years?

Our wish is that, little by little, a national market will develop, as we’ve seen happen in Italy and other European countries, where the trend is to prioritize the domestic production and for it to be appreciated and given a fair price. Berry consumption is on the rise in our country and has been boosted especially during the pandemic, which has given consumers another motivation to eat healthily. Strawberries are the best known of the four berries, although the popularity and consumption of blueberries is increasing due to its for-

mat and its status as a possible healthy snack.

In the case of blueberries, there is an on-going renewal of varieties which the sector itself was demanding, as well as early varieties that are allowing Huelva’s growers to produce before the April and May window while adding some extra quality compared to what already exists.

There is also an increasingly common profile of conscious and informed consumers, who are more demanding when choosing and buying products. A fundamental aspect is traceability; the origin of the product. This has some influence on all Planasa’s catalog of varieties shows the the companies involved in the value chain fulfillment of both of these objectives: from the very origin, which is undoubt- the renewal of material and the earliness. edly the breeding. That is why, whatever Since 2020, we have been marketing six the market trends, at Planasa we continue varieties that stand out for their earliand will continue to work to develop vari- ness, flavor, size and shelf-life. There are eties that help growers, as we mentioned two extra-early varieties (BlueManila and before, but that also respond to consumer BlueMalibu), three early varieties (Bluedemands.

Madeira, BlueMarina and BlueMaldiva) and one mid-season variety (BlueMasirIs the interest in planting blueberries ah). and raspberries still growing? Does the area continue to grow at the expense Do you think it is more interesting for of strawberries, or are there rather Spanish blueberries to expand at the renovations at the varietal level? beginning of the season, since they As far as raspberries are concerned, there compete with overseas origins? has been growing interest in planting That is precisely the goal we have pursued the crop, and indeed, some hectares that with our varieties: allowing growers to were planted with strawberries have been extend the production calendar by startturned into raspberry and blueberry plots. ing earlier.

At Planasa, we have witnessed this transformation and participated in it with our Being able to offer top quality blueberries flagship variety: Adelita. to the European markets, produced just a AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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few days' transit time from their destina- but as developers of new quality material tion and using cultivation techniques that in the short term. can be observed and even audited directly, is a competitive advantage that we believe What about blackberries? Is there Spanish growers are right to invest on. still a lack of flagship varieties for the consumer to get to know this berry What advances have been made in better? How is it evolving? blueberries and how do you think For now, blackberries haven’t developed Spain will be defined as a producer and much in Europe, perhaps because of the marketer of blueberries? difficulty in handling them, as they are As far as progress is concerned, I think very sensitive to the growing conditions, Planasa is helping pave the way for the and because we compete with Mexico: a development of Spanish blueberry vari- great global producer that has ideal groweties. Until now, producers opted for free ing conditions for the fruit, in addition varieties, or for programs from other con- to extensive experience. In our case, we tinents, adapting them to local production are internally testing our selections in conditions, but from now on, some of them the EMEA area, with very good results in will be able to resort to varieties "made in terms of fruit quality, according to tests Huelva". This puts the sector in a position carried out with the main retailers in the where the international market can see United Kingdom. Besides, and taking into us as potential producers in the long term, account that Planasa is a global company,

vanrijsingencarrotconcepts.com

we can say that in Mexico, the launch of this new Plablack 15157 selection is being carried out very successfully.

What do you think the Spanish berry sector will look like in 2030? What paths are being taken?

I think we are gearing towards a commitment to the consumer, to their food, and to the traceability of the products we sell. Producers understand that we are dealing with a conscious and increasingly informed and demanding consumer. Testament to this is the growth of organic or "zero waste" products, or the search for value added, paying attention, for example, to aspects such as the large amount of antioxidants provided by blueberries and other berries. 

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Potatoes

Gerrit Oomen, Quik’s Verse Aardappelen, the Netherlands

“Extensive choice makes every potato a specialty” Quik's Quality Potatoes, in the Netherlands, has been active in the potato sector for almost 90 years. Over the years, the company's range has expanded enormously. There is a vast choice. Not only in the potato range but in packaging options too. "Potatoes have actually all become specialties," says Gerrit Oomen, who heads Quik's Fresh Potatoes. "Supermarkets used to almost exclusively take 2.5 or 5kg bags, either floury or waxy. Nowadays, they take potatoes for mashing, baking, and steaming. And in small packages, starting at 300g," he says.

T

hat demands extensive flexibility, is always central. We often accompany our which is, unsurprisingly, one of the buyers to their customers. That's what a company's core values. "Consumer prefe- successful formula throughout the chain rences are shifting. And if our customers is based on." need specific cooking, size or packaging, we're happy to respond to those wishes. REDISCOVERING POTATO DISHES Even if it requires adapting the logistics The time of making masses of mashed route. Everything's negotiable. The client potatoes has passed. But, at this potato

trader, the total volume has not decreased over the years. "Every week, some 2,500 tons of potatoes pass through our warehouses. We grow nicely every year. We have more than 20 trucks on the road, including 13 of our own, every day. We’ve always strived to spread our sales. That was a big advantage last year during the pandemic. Our sales focus is on retail, food service, and the food industry. Sales to the catering industry fell considerably last year. But sales to local and overseas supermarkets made up for that. Far more people were eating at home, so they rediscovered potato dishes. We're still seeing the positive effect of that."

People are far less knowledgeable of varieties than they used to be, says Gerrit." That's only considered with certain heritage varieties, and then also only by AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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Potato

a select group of enthusiasts. People buy The Chlorpropham ban hasn't made the Quik's Quality Potatoes' organic potato much more based on the potato's use. We long storage any easier." share remains stable. "PlanetProof-certiget demand for small, red-skinned culified potatoes have become more popular, nary potatoes, rather than specifically for NEW TECHNIQUES EXTEND BEST so this supply has even flattened out a bit."

Bildstar." He is confident about the new BEFORE DATE Gerrit took this opportunity to express potato season. We spoke to him in early Quiks still sells most of its products on the his appreciation for potato suppliers. "We July. "I recently visited the fields. The early Dutch market. This wholesaler is, howev- work with specially selected growers. We, potatoes have received enough moisture. er, getting increasing demand for its pota- therefore, know exactly by whom, how, The cultivation is a week or two behind. to assortment from elsewhere in Europe. and where the potatoes are grown. They But, the harvest seems to be normal, with "We're not an export packer for, say, Africa. truly grow according to customer-spea normal yield. It's too early now to make a That's not our business, and fellow packers cific wishes, even within a variety. Many judgment regarding the main crop." are much better at that. But we do supply standards have been added in recent many overseas customers. Post-packag- years. Just think of certifications such as In recent years, there has been a trend ing techniques extend particularly chilled GlobalGAP, Grasp, and PlanetProof. Many among retailers in the Netherlands. Many potatoes' shelf life. So, exporting is also retailers also work with non-statutory are increasingly wanting local products. becoming increasingly attractive. We'll be MRL standards. Our farmers, naturally, go "We work as much as possible with Dutch presenting the first hospitality industry, along with this. We find it vital that you potatoes. But if they start lacking in quali- longer-shelf life products. That will be at continue to reward quality." ty, you sometimes have to look elsewhere. Gastvrij Rotterdam [a hospitality industry trade show]," Gerrit explains.

It is not only Quik's Verse Aardappelen that is experiencing strong growth. Under Peter Quik's leadership, so is the Quik's Potato Products processing plant. Here potatoes are processed into ready-to-cook, chilled potato products, and specialties. These include fresh fries, chilled

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mashed potatoes, and jacket potatoes with rosemary and sea salt. The processing factory's new building has become operational in phases.

The two-floor building covers an area of 1.15 hectares. The office and shipping department are already in use. The remaining divisions will

follow soon. "The extra space comes at a good time. We were using every available inch. Now we have room to grow. The new site's focus was on sustainability, and we've used the full knowledge of our existing factory."

"Until the pandemic, fresh potato consumption was falling by 1.5% to two percent annually. The number of players, however, remained fairly stable. It can become very competitive at times. We've, fortunately, been able to expand our range every year. Not because that's a goal unto itself. But, because existing and new buyers appreciate our quality and new concepts," Gerrit adds.

They quickly struck a deal. And at the end of March 2021, the line was installed at Quiks. Henri is enthusiastic about the machine. "The installation went well, which resulted in a unique line. This setup of a line combined with a round-head weigher is a rarity in the Dutch potato sector. We wanted to have the flexibility to fill loose potatoes in boxes and crates.

That, combined with fancy net packaging. We used to have two roll packers that were set to one weight. We spent a lot of time adjusting them. With the Baxmatic, we no longer need to do that. We can now change the weight at the touch of a button," he explains.

NEW LINE The large packaging variety means Quiks added quite a few machines in recent times. The latest of which is the Eqraft combination weigher with crate filler. And a Baxmatic with a sewing function. Henri van Dijk is the company's Head of Techni- "We have lots of different packaging and cal Services. He's been with Quik's Quality can do small runs too. Packaging 5 and Potatoes for 32 years. Henri came across 25kg packages, consecutively, is no probthe machine on the Internet. Two days lat- lem at all. So, we've become very flexible. er, the appointment at Eqraft's headquar- It's also greatly advantageous that this ters was scheduled. "We then immediately line can cut net packaging's ribbons short. went to see Go Products. And then also Our clients have track & trace requiremade a reference visit to Wiskerke Onions ments, and all the relevant information and Brest Potato. I loved it immediately. is on the packaging. Also, we can operate We put our wishes on paper, and Eqraft and do read-outs of the line via laptop or started designing the machine," he says. phone."

"The Baxmatic/crate filler combination works exceptionally well too. Potatoes remain a delicate product and must be handled in a product-friendly manner. The strict requirements we set for our potatoes we also set for our machinery. After all, you don't want to unnecessarily damage the potatoes by, say, falling heights.

The tube descends into the crate or box and puts the product down. This is, therefore, not an issue. And crates and boxes of any size are filled neatly and automatically. We're generally very satisfied with how Eqraft has translated our wishes into this new weighing and packaging line. It runs as desired. And even if there's a malfunction, Eqraft technicians are quickly on site.

Fortunately, that's not often necessary," Henri concludes. 

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Greenhouse Vegetables

“The Spanish greenhouse industry is reinventing itself” The Spanish greenhouse industry has been challenged to show their resilience. The Corona crisis has topped off a year of great complexity in which the weather, the competition from Morocco, the increase in costs, and the low availability of natural resources have put great pressure on the industry. Yet the Spanish greenhouse industry is also, again, reinventing itself.

In the past 50 years, the Spanish green- ishing economic benefits and increasing house industry has developed gradually. environmental and social dilemmas,” a Greenhouse horticulture started in Spain group of Spanish researchers conclude. the 1960s and the Almería region cur- They identified six challenges for susrently houses the largest concentration of tainability of the Almería greenhouse greenhouses in the world. Yet, according horticulture, including sustainable and to a 2019 study on the sustainability of the efficient use of water, biodiversity converAlmería greenhouse industry, the sector sation, implementing a circular economy finds itself in crisis currently. “The system plan, technology and knowledge transfer, currently finds itself in a crisis of dimin- governance based on culture of shared

responsibility for image and identity.

sustainability

and

One of the companies that knows all about the challenges for the Spanish greenhouse industry, is turnkey greenhouse supplier Novagric. They've seen that the Spanish industry has changed gradually over the last five years, but are also convinced that the environmental factor is going to be one of the great challenges for the future. “Sustainability is becoming the key in all agricultural projects, not only as a cost-saving strategy, also because of a greater awareness of our impact in the environment,” says Pascual Miralles. “At the same time, the great challenge for all producers is to find profitability in business models that are constantly evolving.”

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Greenhouse vegetables

NEW CROPS On the one hand, Spanish producers are testing new crops that are not usual in protected cultivation. “Although horticultural crops such as tomato and bell pepper still lead the market, they are being diversified to find greater profitability and access to new markets. On the other hand for most growers the goal is how to produce more kilos, in fewer square meters, with higher quality and in a sustainable manner,” Pascual explains. He says there is a great awareness and involvement of companies to meet the objectives of reducing water and carbon footprint. “Concerns about the availability and quality of water are growing in many countries where water supply once seemed endless. Production will have to become more efficient to minimize the environmental impact of the industry and to meet the technological requirements of new crops.”

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“To achieve these goals, we will have to there is greater interest in new technolojump to new technological models. Con- gies and digitalization for precision agritrolling and managing energy efficiently culture with water, soil, plant, and climate is key to achieving more autonomous and sensors to interpret data, receive early climate-neutral facilities. With new solu- warning and make more accurate crop tions for sustainable water management management decisions. Gradually, active and the incorporation of clean energy and elements for the control of excess temenergy savings that reduce consumption perature (fans, humidification) are being and carbon footprint.” incorporated to complement passive natural ventilation to regulate temperature According to Pascual, Europe has a major and humidity.“ role in the transformation driving measures to meet the 2030 development goals. At the same time, the Novagric team stum“New subsidies are aimed at boosting bles upon a great barrier of learning and investments' focus on sustainability, dig- knowledge. “There is a great training and italization and increased competitiveness. management challenge to be able to man“He sees that a renewal of the "Almería- age all the variables of our installation and type" greenhouse model, predominant in make the best decisions for our operation.“ this market, has already begun with ambitious projects of multi-tunnel greenhous- Being fully aware of the complexity of es of great height and width, designed carrying out new technology projects in for the demanding needs of present and agriculture, Novagric made the decision future agriculture. “At the same time, to take responsibility for all stages of the

value chain of agricultural projects to reduce uncertainty, risk and facilitate this process for customers. “Starting a project managed by a single company with more than 40 years of experience in the sector, with projects developed in the 5 continents adapted to different types of climate and crops brings a lot of security to growers. We have a multidisciplinary internal team with specialists in each climate and irrigation technology and each phase of design, manufacturing, installation and support service.” The company also offers technical-agronomic advice to help growers get the most out of their installation and accompany them in the process. “All this guarantees more success and reduces uncertainty, which results into greater peace of mind for producers to implement disruptive agricultural projects that meet the demand to comply with water footprint and environmental aspects,” Pascual explains.

Especially nowadays, now that the pandemic has undoubtedly boost society to digitize in every way, agriculture has been no less so, he concludes. “This situation has made many countries realize that they are

not self-sufficient. International countries using technology as a means. Together and investors are showing great interest with training, new structural models with in producing their own products with technical specialists who work alongside high-tech projects to feed the population the producer will be key to facing these locally. Automation technology has helped great challenges.”  farms achieve some autonomy, as well as improved connectivity, data analysis and production results. All these sustainable solutions will also have to result in greater productivity for growers to be viable,

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Greenhouse vegetables

Current trends seen in the vertical farming space It is often said that the vertical farming sector is gaining momentum.

Leafy greens have shown their potential in many countries and now, it’s time to explore the other options. Many suppliers or growers even are experimenting with (exotic) fruits, herbs, such as vanilla or saffron, and even crops with pharmaceutical purposes. It can be concluded that the following products are gaining more and more interest from the market.

Active regions where the berries are either tested with or cultivated in controlled environment agriculture are: Northern America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Western Europe. Given that these fruits are heavily reliant on stable climates, it’s not always easy to grow them when located in a country that doesn’t have the right growing conditions for the fruit. needs. Therefore, the interest for these fruiting crops has increasingly grown over the past year. The fruits have rather good margins so it’s attractive for growers to cultivate or to add to their existing product portfolio.

SPICES: VANILLA AS THE NEW CASH CROP Besides fruiting crops, spices are high-margin crops that seem to gain lots of interest from farmers. According to David Soo with Australia Vanilla Plantation, the supply shortage has forced agrifood companies to either contend with the market instability or to use artificial vanilla. He said, “While the latter option seems has-

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sle-free, there is a clear difference in the People are trying to be more conscious in flavor profile as artificial vanilla has only what they eat and the story behind their five flavor compounds.” Therefore this produce. Therefore, vertical farms are company wants to bring vanilla produc- seen in general as the better option for tion to different parts of the world and fresh produce that’s available in-stores. increase the supply of vanilla pods.

TECHNOLOGY GREEN TREND Besides crops and trends, there’s a lot of There is not only noticeable trends in startup companies that are joining the terms of products, there is also a growin- industry providing low-tech products, gawareness towards sustainability. Thus, such as sensors and cameras. This enables removing food- and water waste from growers to not have to spend a large sum production processes has become very of money on expensive high-tech equipimportant as a result of climate change. ment and still helps them to monitor

growing data. These startups aim to introduce lower priced technology that smaller farms can benefit from as well.

It’s an exciting time for the industry as lots of investments have been coming into the space. These investments are focusing on developing either new techniques, developing seeds for vertical farming crops or other, and to quickly construct more farms over the globe. 

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Get inspired

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131

Citrus

Quico Peiró, of Grupo Cañamás:

“Egypt is becoming more relevant while the citrus sector deals with new post-Covid normality” Spain's 2020/2021 citrus season has been marked by low yields in the field and high expectations that ultimately failed to be met. Also, Egypt has emerged as the main competitor for Spain from January to June. While exports within Europe are holding up, Spanish citrus shipments to third markets, such as China, continue to plummet.

The production in the 2021/2022 season is expected to be lower compared to that of the previous year, partly due to the severe impact of pests such as the cotonet. So says Quico Peiró, Operations Director of the Cañamás Group, one of the largest citrus fruit producing and marketing companies in Europe.

I

n March 2020, a State of Emergency was announced in Spain and successive quarantine measures were also enforced in various EU member states, which led to the Covid effect in citrus consumption, as people associated the intake of citrus fruits with vitamin C and the strengthening of the immune system. This Covid effect caused sales to soar to record levels, with an upward trend that continued during the summer of 2020, leading Spanish expor-

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cards and drops in the production have made the product even more expensive, if possible," says Quico Peiró.

In fact, those who bought at "Covid prices" had to sell at "normal" prices, which resulted in really tight profit margins.

The sector faced the usual bottleneck of November and December, dealing with difficulties in the sale of major varieties, such as Clemenules clementines and Navelina oranges. The late mandarin campaign went generally well, although the end of the orange campaign was difficult, with ters to advance their purchases from the falling demand and strong pressure from fields to August. However, once the season Egypt, which resulted in large accumulatstarted, it soon became clear that the high ed stocks that were sold little by little and prices and the Covid effect had disappea- with difficulties. red.

EXPORTS TO CHINA PLUMMET EVEN "The season has been a difficult one. On MORE AND SAUDI ARABIA EMERGES the one hand, the marketing prospects AS A "SUBSTITUTE". translated into a high price at origin that From September 2020 to July 2021, had little to do with the reality at the com- Spain exported a total of 3,619,000 tons, mercial level, and on the other hand, dis- according to data from Comercio Exteri-

or (DATACOMEX); a figure similar to the 3,596,000 tons of the 2019/2020 campaign, when the production was significantly lower and the demand was marked by the Covid effect. Exports within the EU have remained stable, while shipments to third countries (not including the United Kingdom, which has been a non-EU country since January 2021) fell slightly, from 249,560 tons to 243,329 tons, even though the production was greater than in the previous season. The non-EU country which received the most exports was Switzerland, with 60,085 MT; the second was Canada, with 53,834 MT, and the third was Norway. Saudi Arabia stood out in fourth place, with a significant increase of more than 10,000 MT, reaching 22,675 MT and becoming the non-EU market with the highest growth in the 2020/2021 season.

On the opposite side of the scale, there’s the striking collapse of exports to China, which at its peak was the third largest non-EU export destination. In the 2019/2020 campaign, shipments to the Asian giant already fell to 9,284 tons, while in 2020/2021 they are down to 1,488 tons. This is a consequence of the hurdles to maritime traffic and the harsh protocols to which Spanish citrus fruits are subjected.

expected to be greater this season. "Pests have always been a very serious problem for agriculture. Each moment in time has brought its challenges, and the current one is the cotonet from South Africa.

What’s remarkable is that the competent authorities are not providing us with the necessary tools to be able to fight the pest.

Fortunately, although this year's production will be affected, the impact won’t be drastic. Therefore, I believe that if there is a will, we can still solve the problem.

This year's production is expected to be somewhat lower than last year in terms of volume, but with a higher yield due to better calibers, which will be very good for the sector in general. In short, the Spanish citrus sector has enough volume to supply "The Spanish citrus sector is highly con- the more than 3.6 million tons that the cerned about the current situation, espe- European market demands from us, based cially as regards the competition from on what we’ve seen in the last decade," Egypt and other origins. The global sit- says the Operations Director of Cañamás. uation has turned our European market into the most attractive one. We produce Meanwhile, the citrus production scheda lot and well, but adhering to certain ule continues to be extended towards the specifications when it comes to the use of end of the season, "which is natural, since certain active materials, the use of natu- our market is increasingly asking us for a ral resources or the footprint we leave on greater presence of Spanish fruit, as there the planet, as well as the workers' rights. is a growing commitment to healthy, safe And what the sector is astonished to see is and sustainable food, and these are the how these specifications that are demand- qualities of the Spanish production," he ed from our products do not apply to the says. products from other origins. We are so concerned that we have established a For Quico Peiró, the citrus sector has "very concept to refer to this grievance, we call clear goals" for this 2021/2022 campaign: it reciprocity. And in short, this concept "Firstly, we must ensure that the treatsummarizes all the demands of the sector: ments against the cotonet from South we want reciprocity between our product Africa are carried out when they are needand that of our competitors," says Quico ed and with the necessary products. SecPeiró. ondly, we must be able to ensure that any product entering the European market "EVERY MOMENT IN TIME HAS meets the same requirements in terms BROUGHT ITS CHALLENGES AND THE of specifications, regardless of its origin, CURRENT ONE IS THE COTONET FROM whether European or from a third country.

SOUTH AFRICA" And thirdly, we must put the interprofesPests are an increasingly serious prob- sional organization to work.".  lem for the producers, especially in the Region of Valencia, and their impact is

“EGYPT IS BECOMING MORE RELEVANT WHILE THE CITRUS SECTOR DEALS WITH NEW POST-COVID NORMALITY” "I believe that the 2021/2022 campaign will be more balanced in terms of prices, since, as we saw last year, the demand isn’t as smooth as in the year when Covid hit, which is bringing us back to market situations like those of the 2018/2019 campaign. However, in addition to this new normality, we are also dealing with Egypt’s positioning as a remarkable supplier for the European market, with great weight both in price formation and the supply of volumes," says Quico Peiró.

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Designing & Manufacturing Packaging & Palletizing systems

The specialists in palletisers for the agricultural sector

Visit us Hall 3 Stand B11

symach.nl/en/ 134

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

T: +31 (0)115 685625

Citrus

Philippe Peiró, Port International:

Many years of expertise importing Spanish citrus fruits Port International is one of the leading fruit importers in Europe. The company with 146 years of family tradition has business connections all over the world and can therefore offer a wide range of European products. Philippe Peiró, Managing Director at Port International European Sourcing, spoke to us about the range of Spanish citrus fruits, current trends, and their BE CLIMATE brand.

LARGE STOCK OF CITRUS FRUITS fruits and vegetables were generally very "Our assortment includes all major cit- good, which of course applied to the citrus rus fruits. We trade clementines with industry, too." and without leaves, mandarins, oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, all both in At the moment, Port International is conventional and organic quality," says sourcing mostly citrus fruits from the Peiró. "During the pandemic, sales of fresh southern hemisphere. During the summer

months, however, there is less demand for them, with other fruits such as melons and stone fruits being more popular.

PRODUCTION, QUALITY AND VARIETY DEVELOPMENT The main sourcing country for Port International’s citrus produce is Spain, in particular the provinces of Valencia, Murcia, and Huelva. "From Murcia, we source mainly lemons but oranges and clementines as well, even though the heartland of clementines is Valencia. Oranges are also imported from Greece and blood oranges from Sicily, to name other origins."

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Citrus

Regarding citrus quality, Peiró points to the very long tradition of Spanish citrus cultivation. According to him, Spain is especially strong when it comes to the development of new varieties. "There is a lively exchange between breeders in Spain, California, and South Africa. Spain has large areas, an ideal climate for growing citrus and, in addition, an efficient water management system. This country between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic is a traditional agricultural country and still our most important trading partner for citrus products."

Some suppliers are currently successfully testing different varieties such as "J&B", an early variety that is already ripe in September, two weeks before the "Clemenrubi". Other tests include the "Leanri" and "Neufina" varieties, which will replace the difficult-to-peel "Clemenvilla" in the long term. There is also a late variety of satsumas called "Bella", for which tests are also in the planning.

FORECASTS FOR THE COMING SEASON After the record lemon harvest of 2020, this year’s harvest will likely be of normal proportions again.

The harvest of early clementines is expected to be good, but a particular challenge awaits the "Clemenules" variety, which is affected by a disease called "Cortonet".

Peiró, "Covid has caused unpredictable consumption patterns and panic buying in some countries. Keeping up with this increased demand was quite difficult.

Though it didn't cause the supply chain to break down, it did make our job more difficult. The pandemic really threw a spanner in the works."

THE BE CLIMATE BRAND Since 2019, Port International has been present on the market with the brand BE CLIMATE, which enables the company to focus on a sustainable and, above all, climate-neutral solution for fresh fruit and vegetables. The current BE CLIMATE range includes climate-neutral bananas, clementines, strawberries, and blueberries. In the near future, the climate-neutral range will be expanded to include oranges and lemons.

The focus of the brand concept is on reducing CO2 emissions along the entire supply chain. Unavoidable CO2 is offset by investing in climate protection projects.

"We all have to start taking care of the climate right now. Not only does it affect our industry, it also has consequences for our 136

AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

general way of life and, last but not least, for our food," Peiró says. BE CLIMATE offers consumers a simple and transparent way to contribute actively to climate protection. More information can be found at www.beclimate.com. 

Port International GmbH Contact: Lena Serrano Lippeltstrasse 1 20097 Hamburg E-mail: lena@port-international.com

GSNL knows all about lighting!

Lighting contributes to high-quality production all year round.

GSNL develops, produces and assembles electronic lighting components for the greenhouse horticulture sector, hydroponics, OEM partners and for growers. Our HPS and LED drivers are adjustable from 40 to 1200 watts, with an input voltage ranging from 120 to 480 volts. Benefit from our knowledge, expertise and experience in high-quality lighting systems.

Interested and want to know more? Contact us!

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An indispensable addition in the harvesting and reloading of potatoes, onions, root crops etc. Reduces damage and improves product quality.

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Promotion

Thomas Derstadt, Expert Sourcing + Markets Fresh Produce at the Import Promotion Desk

“We want to guarantee great products for specialized importers” The Import Promotion Desk (IPD) supports importers in establishing contacts with suitable exporters and producers from overseas and focuses on various criteria in order to make the products competitive in Europe.

"O

ur mandate is to make exporters Derstadt: "Adhering to from developing and emerging coun- social standards in cultitries fit for the market and, above all, to vation is just as importconnect them with local importers," says ant to us as maintaining a IPD specialist Thomas Derstadt. "Our sensible ecological way of work is characterized by working strongly working. Brix values are with export promotion and grower asso- also regularly checked, of ciations on the ground. We offer various course." trainings and prepare companies for the market, especially in terms of communi- The popular fruit range cation." includes mangoes, avocados and passion fruit. SpanQUALITY STANDARDS AND FRUIT ish importers, for example, RANGE have so far mainly requesthappy that communication is still guaranIPD offers importers assistance in sourc- ed avocados, strawberries, citrus fruits teed as a result," says Derstadt. ing that is both neutral and free of charge. and grapes, as well as ginger and turmerIt mediates contacts to selected producers ic. But companies in the IPD program are Among the IPD's other strengths, Derstadt of fresh fruit and vegetables who conform also producing lesser-known fruits such highlights its good local networking capawith GLOBALG.A.P. standards or also with as pitahayas, mangosteens and granadil- bility and having informational resources the requirements of the EU organic logo. las. "In addition, we also want to be able to on country-specific market information.

These free matchmaking services are guarantee good products for specialized "Targeted matchmaking for companies at available for all European importers. importers and wholesalers who supply the trade shows is important, as it achieves retailers, for example." both market requirements, a high level of Importers can rest assured that they will quality and stability in communication be matched with reliable producers, for GOOD NETWORKING and cooperation." visits are made to the companies in the The Corona pandemic naturally also influIPD program and they are carefully vetted. enced the work of the IPD. For example, LONG-LASTING, IMPORTANT In doing so, the IPD experts take certifica- there were already various trade show PROCESSES tion into account as well as criteria such cancellations, which required a shift to Derstadt also points out that conditions as product quality, export potential and the virtual. "We were able to quickly adapt in the various IPD partner countries are capacity. and offer a virtual program for interested heterogeneous and that it is necessary to parties. Of course, many importers are adapt to the respective circumstances.

We’re still thinking outside the booth No Fruit Attraction for us…

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Derstadt: "Whether organ- other, these events are an ic quality can be offered or absolute must," Derstadt says not can only be clarified after of IPD's participation in this intensive discussions with the year's Fruit Attraction. "The producers and farms on site. Fruit Attraction trade show It is, of course, a process that has grown in importance over takes a lot of time and effort, time, particularly for Latin but it will ultimately result in American countries." satisfactory results for both sides."

Supported by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic During the pandemic, there Cooperation and Development were initially many unan- (BMZ), IPD will showcase fresh swered questions about South fruit offerings from Ecuador, American exporting countries, Colombia and Peru, among othsuch as how things were going er countries, at the trade show in terms of work in the fields, this year.  housing and food for local people. "Over time, these problems www.importpromotiondesk.com/en IPD en Fruit Attraction: 6E06 have largely been resolved. In the meantime, production is again stable in most countries."

IMPORTANCE OF TRADE SHOWS "Trade shows are essential to our work. Since we want to match companies with each

Attractive fruit for the 21st century

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Juan Antonio Reyes Gutiérrez, manager of Reyes Gutiérrez:

“Avocados and mangoes have gone from being luxury exotics to becoming commodities in retail outlets” Tropical fruits have consolidated their presence in the market, allowing them to make their own rules. Other species remain subject to the traditional law of supply and demand, which is eventually reflected in adjustments in their production, market fluctuations and oscillations in consumption; however, mangoes and avocados, and especially the latter, have been growing exponentially for decades. Their production has been rising steadily as the number of players in this thriving sector has multiplied. Until now, prices have stayed strong thanks to a demand that has always absorbed the growing supply.

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A

nd while Spain’s production is limited by the fact that only a few geographical areas have suitable climatic conditions for the crops’ cultivation, the country has forged a privileged position in the European market, as it is one of the few local tropical producers in the continent. The product’s quality stands out, given the possibility of harvesting the fruit at its optimum point of ripeness.

"In the Iberian Peninsula, taking into account the productions of Spain and Portugal, there are more than 20,000 hect-

ares of avocados spread between Mala- The Spanish production, however, is quite innovation, as well as differentiation in ga, Granada, Cadiz, Huelva, Valencia and modest compared to that of other major terms of quality and added value. It has southern Portugal, as well as more than players in this sector, which are supplying its own production, which allows greater 3,000 hectares of mangoes, mostly in the huge volumes during their campaigns, as control in the fruit’s management and the Axarquía. Juan Antonio Reyes Gutiérrez, has been the case of Peruvian avocados in development of its brand. manager of the Malaga-based compa- recent years. "This sudden increase in the ny Reyes Gutiérez, which produces and supply has two direct consequences: one MANGO PRODUCTION AGAIN FALLS markets avocados and mangoes, said that is causing the price at retail to stagnate BELOW ITS POTENTIAL "Reyes Gutiérrez has witnessed the expan- or fall, but the other is that the product is The domestic mango season is shorter and sion of both fruits since the beginning of becoming more popular. Consumers ulti- the production is considerably lower comits activity in this sector four decades ago. mately benefit, because the price war that pared to that of avocados; however, the In these 40 years, the production has been this situation unleashes among super- figures of the last 5 years confirm its congrowing, as has the consumption, reach- market chains brings down the final price, solidation in the European market. ing close to 100,000 tons in the case of allowing consumers to become even more avocados and over 30,000 tons in that of familiar with the product and to purchase "This season, just like in the two previous mangoes, but there is also more competi- larger quantities," he says. "In turn, this years, Spain has failed to reach its full tion," says Juan Antonio. promotes growth in the consumption." potential when it comes to mango production, which is close to 60,000 tons. There "When we started in this industry there It should be recalled that promoting con- are a number of factors that are taking a were only a dozen tropical fruit trad- sumption is the mission of the World Avo- toll on these yields, including crop maners in the country, while today there are cado Organization (WAO), which Reyes agement and the changing weather, which more than 50. The greater supply, product Gutiérrez is a member of. However, the is undeniably affecting the development of awareness and reputation, as well as the unstoppable increase in the supply raises the production. However, there is also the buzz that has been generated around man- the fear of the sector becoming unprofit- problem of the shortage of water resourcgoes and avocados in recent years have able, and that the occasional price crises es in the Axarquia region," says Juan Antobeen very important factors to explain that are beginning to be observed may be nio. "However, the quality and palatability this expansion. The two fruits have gone transferred to the producer sector (a sit- of Spanish mangoes is very good and they from being luxury exotics to becoming uation that has not yet occurred thanks are in high demand in Europe. "I believe commodities in retail outlets," he says. to the high demand). For this reason, the that mangoes will be profitable for their company is committed to promotion and producers and, if we manage to handle AGF Primeur • Special Edition • 2021

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with the aim of extending the season, with some mixed results.

"The Lamb Hass variety has acclimatized very well to the Spanish Levant and is the predominant variety in this area, where it has proven to be very productive, with yields of 10-12 tons per hectare that exceed the 7-8 tons of the Hass in Andalusia," he says. "There we have acquired some facilities for the reception of the fruit and this year we have had a very good buying campaign. In fact, next year we will organize promotions in local press and radio stations to make ourselves better known in the area and to let Valencian or Levantine producers know of our interest in marketing their product," says Juan Antonio. "As for early varieties, we have been testing the Maluma, but for now it is taking a long time to adapt."

the fruit set issue in the current context of coast, giving a boost to the supply in this climate change, in a few years there will campaign, which runs from December to "On the other hand, we have a very serious be an impressive increase in the consump- April. The sector is working not only on problem in nurseries and young plantation volume," says the professional. expanding the crop’s acreage, but also on tions with Botryosphaeria, a fungus that widening its marketing window. In Spain, affects the vegetative growth of the trees," HEAT AND BOTRYOSPHAERIA HIT Hass avocados are the most common, the professional reports. "BotryosphaeAVOCADOS THIS SEASON although more and more later varieties ria manifests itself during the fruit set Meanwhile, avocados have been spread- are being planted, including the Lamb and kills it, causing the fruit to fall to the ing along the Atlantic and Mediterranean Hass, and early varieties are being tested ground."

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"This is one of the factors that are taking has made it possible to plant avocados in problem. Water transfers fail to be carried a huge toll on the production of all avo- unthinkable places," says Juan Antonio, out, no budgets have been approved to set cado varieties. The other is the extreme "and the other has been the improvement up treatment plants, and those that exist temperatures and climatic conditions that in crop management and the search for do not work. In short, there is a lack of we are starting to see every year, with new varieties and patterns resistant to cooperation with the administrations and temperatures rising above 45ºC. These cold, such as the creole cultivars from the a lack of investment. Personally, I think abnormally high temperatures do two highlands of the Michoacan mountains, that there is also a lack of private initiative things: they bring fruit growth to a stand- which have made it possible to consider by the sector and entrepreneurs, mainly still and, in the case of water shortage, the growing avocados at below zero degrees by the marketers and associations that tree weakens and lets the fruit fall to the Celsius. In our own farms we have man- are already operating, such as the Spanish ground," says Juan Antonio Reyes. "In gen- aged to handle temperatures of 2 and 3 Association of Tropical Producers, to look eral, fruit drop has been common this year. degrees below zero," says Juan Antonio. into the investments that the sector needs The estimation is that in a plantation with "We have learned to deal with the problem and make them happen," says the manager 500 trees per hectare, there may be 3,000 of the cold, but we have been unable to of Reyes Gutierrez. to 5,000 kilos less of fruit on the trees per deal with the problem of the heat". hectare. This means that, once again, the "That is why many companies like us have year’s forecasts won’t be fulfilled. To date, For plants, heat is an important source of decided to leave Malaga and have conthe production had been expected to be abiotic stress, one of the most detrimental sidered growing tropical crops in other greater than last year’s," he says. factors for crop growth and productivity provinces where this problem does not worldwide. "To deal with the heat, you exist. We have invested in new lands in CLIMATE CHANGE, AN INDISPUTABLE can provide water to the trees and apply Cadiz and Portugal, and we are immersed REALITY sprinkler irrigation, but if you don't have in another project in Huelva, looking to get Extreme heat, in fact, is one of the conse- the water, you can't do that. Here, in the out a bit of this area because of the water quences of climate change, and this will be Axarquia, the largest producer of tropical issue, as well as the high price per square one of the most important challenges that crops in Spain, there is a shortage of water meter of the cultivation land.”  the Spanish tropical sector will have to resources, although that’s not the only face. It will be forced to show its flexibility and resilience. Climate abnormalities and extreme events, which until now had been considered one-off anomalies, will become increasingly frequent. The latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change offers some devastating conclusions on the changes that have already occurred in the climate - for which it holds humanity directly responsible and predicts, in addition to a rise in average temperatures, more frequent extreme weather phenomena, such as heat waves or torrential rains.

A subtropical crop, which requires specific temperature and humidity conditions to develop, may be more susceptible to being affected by this new global climatic reality; although the current scenario may also lead to new areas having the right conditions. There are two things that have changed the picture for tropical crops in Europe: one is climate change, which

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