
“We need a more spacious building with a cold store again”
Tholen – The mainstream exotics such as avocados and sweet potatoes are not spent on Exotic Roots. “We are active in the niche exotics. This allows us to distinguish ourselves well on the market,” says account manager Jonathan de Quartel.
The former recruiter got into a conversation with Tim Struckman, the commercial director of Exotic Roots and became so enthusiastic that he made the switch to the fruit and vegetable sector a few months ago. He now feels like a fish in water. “It seems as if I have been active in the trade for years. I handle sales to European wholesalers, a colleague does the same to retail. We have sales in countries throughout Europe and a country is added regularly.”
“We now import from nine countries, namely Mexico, Colombia, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Uganda, Jordan and India. If at all possible, we buy directly from the source. By avoiding intermediaries, we can deliver fresh trade quickly and keep prices at a friendly level for the customer. We can also offer a nice range from Spain, including Karela, Bird’s Eye Chili, Chinese bitter melon and aubergines from our own cultivation.”
The okra from Honduras is one of the main products of the company from Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel. “We have good cultivation partners and receive a stable supply every week. We get a lot of demand for okra, we are now really known for that in the market,” says Jonathan. “We are now seeing the supply of Spanish okra increase and as a result, the attention for the okra from Honduras is shifting a little more to the background.”
Another big item for Exotic Roots is jackfruit from Mexico, an exotic that can weigh up to 20 to 25 kilos. “We set up this line six months ago. The jackfruit is still relatively unknown to many wholesalers, but we are now seeing the jackfruit take hold within our target group,” says Jonathan. The mangos complete the top 3 at the company. “We receive a lot of Mingolo mangoes from the Dominican Republic. That season is now coming to an end. As an alternative, we now have the Ataulfo mango from Mexico.”
With the summer holidays just around the corner, the sales of niche exotics have traditionally declined somewhat this week. “But that also offers opportunities. We have grown so fast in the past six months that we don’t get around to everything. Now that the trade has calmed down, we can also focus on preparing for the coming season. The high cost of air freight is currently one of our biggest challenges. That is why it is a continuous quest to optimize the supply chain. We are also looking for a new location. We have not moved that long, but we already need a more spacious building with a cold store. Preferably at a fresh produce hotspot such as Poeldijk or Maasdijk.
For more information:
Jonathan de Quartel
Exotic Roots
Mobile: 06-45897568
jonathan@exoticroots.nl
www.exoticroots.nl
Publication date:
Author: Izak Heijboer
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