TRADE AND MARKETING Fruit Logistica: looking ahead Grader in 3D print A 3D printer that prints a grading installation, attracts a great deal of attention in the Grisnich Tolsma stand. ‘Just a toy’, says Sales Manager Gerard Bos. ‘But we’ve got it here to show our visitors that we’re ahead in the latest developments.’ We don’t have plans to print models for customers. There are already computer animations for that. And printing parts is still for the future. Although the emphasis is on trade, Fruit Logistica is also an important show for technical firms. ‘Especially as regards new markets. Making contact and showing what the possibilities are, that’s important for us’, says Bos. ‘Healthcare policy has effect on potato market’ Schaap-Holland gives extra emphasis to highlighting its convenience products. This market segment is becoming increasingly important for our company, Account Manager Food Service, John Lenkfeldt, explains. Even the decentralisation in the Dutch healthcare system has an immediate impact on this. ‘People remain in their own homes longer. This means a shrinking market for pre-cooked potatoes for institutional kitchens and a growing group of elderly people who continue to do their own shopping. They want ready-made meals, smaller portions, and they are also interested in special products such as pre-cooked wok potatoes. The elderly consumer is much more modern in that respect than you’d think. Also popular are tapas potatoes.’ The tapas potato is a new product at Fruit Logistica which is still in its trial packaging. The tapas potato is a small, new potato of the Alexia variety, which has been marinated in special Spanish seasonings and can be turned into a lovely snack at home in no time. Another new introduction is the inspiration line: 600 gram bags with various product categories: a threecolour-mix, French baby potatoes, and an ‘ordinary’ potato, for shared enjoyment. It’s a follow-up to the culinary line, which was ‘too luxurious’, according to Lenkfeldt. ‘The market is changing a lot. Everyone is looking for new answers. Sometimes with success, sometimes not. We experimented with 200-gram packages of pre-cooked potatoes. That was not a success. Maybe it was too early. You have to think of something else, though, if you want to stand out. The retail market also wants that.’ Another trend, which – according to Lenkfeldt – is becoming increasingly noticeable, is the growing demand for fresh French fries. Pre-cut, cool-fresh chips are becoming increasingly popular, but also the demand for unprocessed, quality potatoes is increasing. ‘Peeling and pre-frying while the consumer waits, is doing well.’ Agrico is celebrating its long-term business contacts ‘It’s really also a bit of a farewell party for our Say Choice, Say Agrico slogan’, says Jan van Hoogen in passing, before going to give his speech. In the stand, guests are flocking together to listen to the Agrico Director, who wants to put some of his long-term business partners in the limelight and thank them for the fact that they chose to collaborate with his cooperative. ‘Talking about Choice’, he tells his Audience a little later, ‘we’re not selecting people on a casual basis, but it’s always an impossible choice.’ These personal words of thanks show that many clients have a long and colourful history with the trading company. The managing director doesn’t let them go home empty handed. They were presented with a certificate of appreciation and a miniature of the sculpture that adorns Agrico’s head office in Emmeloord. To show the world that the company has the perfect potato for every climate, soil type, budget and taste, Agrico has been using the well-known slogan ‘Say Choice, Say Agrico’ for years. That’s now going to change. ‘It’s still a strong catchphrase, but we think it’s time for a change’, says Van Hoogen. What that will be, he can’t yet say. ‘We’ll tell more about that in the summer.’ 16 Potato World 2015 • number 3 Pagina 15

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