Today marks the 25th anniversary of Special Fruit, the Belgian importer founded by brothers François and Patrick Maes to trade in high-quality soft fruit, exotics and vegetables from across the world.
Only the best suppliers were sought out, and only those products that allowed Special Fruit to stand out from the crowd were considered, with product variety, quality and availability playing a crucial role.
Special Fruit’s growth was steady. The company began as an importer of Californian strawberries by air before developing into a major European player, with offices along the most important motorway between the harbours of Antwerp and Rotterdam.
“Right from the very beginning, the focus was on product and technical innovation, year-round supply and preferential partnerships with clients and suppliers,” the company stated in a press release. “To achieve success, the company depends on its team of well-motivated staff.”
Now, Special Fruit is eyeing further growth, and not just in Belgium. “The company is embarking on its own production site in Portugal, is forming closer partnerships with growers in Spain and will soon be starting a packing service in the Netherlands,” the company stated.
“Special Fruit will keep investing. That includes investment in sustainability projects, which is an important part of the strategy. That is why the company is supporting sustainability projects in Africa, as well as in Latin and Central America.”
No comments yet