Despite significant growth in acreage, the prices of speciality tomatoes are holding out this season at ZON fruit & vegetables. "They are stable and reasonable," says speciality seller Corne van Winsen. He believes the growing popularity of the snack is the reason for this stability in price. The snack tomato season seems to be a repeat of last year, says Corne van Winsen of ZON fruit & vegetables. "In the beginning of the season prices were very low due to too much supply on the market. If you want to get to retail you have to be in the top position. Otherwise the customers will stay in Spain and Morocco. Nine out of ten would choose the Netherlands, provided that the price is appropriate." Later in the season supply and demand evens out more and the prices increase. "This season the prices have not been very high, but they have been stable and reasonable." That is actually pretty remarkable: the acreage of snack tomatoes has grown a great deal in both the Netherlands and Belgium. According to CBS, 40 hectares have been added - a growth of more than 30%. "But the consumption is growing along with the acreage," Says Van Winsen.
Opportunities: convenience and concepts
The popularity with the snack sector has to do with the consumers looking for convenience. "The buckets, the trio-mixes, the shakers - as consumer you do not have to do anything. Take the top off and quickly wash them with water and kids can eat them up. It is easy and healthy. It is an attractive idea," says Van Winsen. He sees opportunities to further develop the segment. "I do not think that this idea has outgrown itself. The elderly often buy tros tomatoes, so there are definitely opportunities here." According to van Winsen there are also opportunities for concepts/brands: "We are seeing that Beezy's is booming within the snack sector. Recognition and consistently good taste and quality are essential when developing a strong brand. These qualities are in ample supply with our growers who produce in a market- and demand oriented way. In this way, there is still so much more to be expected in the coming years from ZON growers.
Will the snack tomato acreage also grow next year? It is still too soon to be able to say. "Huge expansions are not desirable. This is because supply needs to grow in line with consumption."
Clock
ZON has applied their clock policies since the middle of April. Daily transactions flow around the clock. "That works," comments van Winsen. "This year a large number of customers have joined us. The increased and constant volume and the expanded assortment has attracted buyers and we are seeing that in the selling price." Vacation time is beginning and traditionally that is a tougher time for tomatoes. "If it remains stable, most of the snack tomato growers will be satisfied." Good weather many also have an influence. "Its always good if its sunny. The best is above 25 degrees."
