The Belgian exporter continues to look at broadening its already substantial selection, while examining the potential of new markets, but competition across Europe is intensifying
Belgian exporter Demargro already boasts a wide assortment of fruit and vegetables, the bulk being strawberries, pears and tomatoes, but it is actively seeking to widen its range, not just in new products, but new types of packaging for berries to maximise quality and shelf-life, and more specialties in the tomato category.
The cooperative’s main export markets are France, Spain and Poland, but it has also been looking at possibilities in new markets. According to the company’s Dominiek Keersebilck, competition is currently intense, not least when it comes to the UK market.
“We wanted to develop some exports to the UK,” he said, “but it’s difficult and very competitive. We have the auction system, so the balance between supply and demand is there every day, and sometimes, as in recent months, prices can be reasonably high. But to explain that to a British consumer or customer can be very hard.”
Not that the UK is alone in this regard. “Everywhere is competitive now, and the margins are not easy to find,” said Keersebilck. “Nor is finding the land to grow and the right people to do the work. Labour is a big issue. There are a lot of challenges at the moment. There are fewer tools in our toolbox, but the quality has to be better and you have to be fast but also flexible. As a company or cooperative, you have to find solutions to the challenges that are being thrown at you, and ultimately the ones that are the most creative will survive.”
