The assortment of Belgian quality brand Tomabel has seen some formidable extension in recent times. Ann Beyne, sales representative for Tomabel since '98, indicates that more and more growers find it important to distinguish themselves. "We are now working with 37 growers and various products. Our latest product is lettuce, which we added in November. Tomabel began in 1996 with tomatoes; strawberries being added in 2002. Then came mushrooms and oysters. Tomabel's products currently find their way across Europe."All Tomabel growers are members of REO Auction. Ann confirms that ties with the auction will be further strengthened this year. "They continuously help us to expand our range and to introduce our brand to industry people. Tomabel is a unique brand and falls under the Flandria quality label. Our products meet even stricter standards. Care and appearance are our distinctive features. We spend much attention to packaging and presentation in general. Continuity in volumes is an important pillar as well."
"We can expect further expansion this season,” says Ann. “Attracting new growers is an issue as well. This year we anticipate an increase in tomato volumes. We won’t just be expanding wildly, but we’ll likely wait until the first market demand allows us to come up with a sound prognosis. We’ll just see how things turn out.”
