uk
Belgium has been a major supplier of fruit and veg to the UK for many years, but while that has waned somewhat, it is coming back strong.
Belgium has traditionally been a highly important supplier of a wide range of fresh produce to the UK market, and although that position has been shaken a little in recent times, there are signs it is bouncing back as a key export destination.
According to Jan Engelen, marketing manager at Veiling Hoogstraten, the UK is still attractive, but location, production and competition from the Netherlands is making the game difficult. But he stresses: “We try to find the holes and the opportunities to strengthen our business in the UK.”
Jo Lambrecht, commercial director at BelOrta, adds that the UK market is “resdiscovering” Belgian production, particularly speciality tomatoes, bell peppers, lettuce, pears and berries. “In the last two to three years we have developed some new business lines, both in retail and foodservice. We are also very keen to introduce our Belgian endives to the UK. We strongly believe the UK market has potential for this fantastic product.”
the two 
/>companies are investing in infrastructure this year, with Veiling Hoogstraten currently in the process of building a new €8 million packhouse that is set to be in operation from spring 2016. BelOrta points out that around its HQ in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, a new 60ha fresh produce region is being developed. “Since Sint-Katelijne-Waver is a central place in Europe, it is already and will become an important hub for a lot of important fruit and vegetable players in Europe.”
Much like in the UK, this is a time of change in Belgium, with suppliers jostling for position in the new world order. In late May it was announced that fruit auction Veiling Haspengouw and Univeg are looking to develop closer commercial ties.
The proposed deal will see Univeg set to take a stake in two of Veiling Haspengouw’s subsidiaries, marketing division H‐Fruit and pear packer H‐Ppack. Under the revised arrangement, Veiling Haspengouw will continue as a co-operative, but will have access to Univeg’s broad commercial and distribution network, the aim being to guarantee sustainable returns to growers by accessing as many new and emerging markets as possible.
It was the latest in a string of moves involving Belgian giant Univeg, which also heard recently that the EC would not oppose its proposed integration with Greenyard Foods and Peatinvest.
It all shapes up to be a changing time in the supply market, and the need to boost exports is brought into sharper focus with the release of new research by GfK Benelux showing that Belgian consumers bought almost six per cent fewer fruit and vegetables last year compared with 2013.
Per capita spending on fruit and vegetables fell by a greater percentage in Belgium – 5.8 per cent – than in the food market globally (0.8 per cent), according to the survey of 5,000 Belgian families.
Halal meat brand Ghanim International UK has extended its range of frozen, microwavable products in Tesco.
Ghanim International UK has launched its ‘Chilli Nacho Chicken Drumstick’ and ‘Garlic Butter Chicken Kiev’ in over 42 Tesco stores, as part of its Brunei Halal range.
The company said combining quality-assured British meat with innovative products, while meeting the needs of second- and third-generation Muslim consumers, was a key focus.
Dr Mohammad Nazir OBE, CEO of Ghanim International UK, began talks with senior management at Tesco more than a year ago and has seen the partnership flourish, with the range now being expanded into chilled products.
“We responded to Tesco’s challenge for more innovative products.
“Our brand has been recognised as having strength by sourcing British local produce and a high level of halal integrity, quality and presentation. I feel really excited that Tesco has been able to see our vision in reaching out to the second- and third-generation Muslim consumers in the UK,” Nazir commented.
Meanwhile, Ghanim International UK said Tesco was “striving to offer complete halal assurance, to ensure there is quality and traceability from farm to family”.