Following the introduction of its Basstion Fruit brand, named after the similarly-named Polish family business, Basstion Fruit Sp Z. o o. is taking on its next challenge.
This company's history spans two generations and has always been very progressive. The parent cultivation business was one of the first fruit companies in Poland with ULO refrigeration, a Greefa sorting machine, and direct trade links to Polish supermarkets for Conference pears.
Meanwhile, Basstion Fruit has grown into a top fruit market player with an annual turnover of 25,000 tons. The company, though, has never forgotten its roots. The current directors also fully own it and are located at the parental cultivation company in Biala Rawska, Poland.
Basstion Fruit believes in creating added value for its customers. They, after all, pay the bills. "Growers often forget they're 100% dependent on their clients. Producers take the biggest hits in the market, and you must be flexible," begins Derek Blom. With multiple growers as suppliers, Basstion Fruit is not a growers' association but a sales contact for local, smaller growers.
"We reach a certain volume, so we can offer buyers not just price x kilo product, but a complete package, too. We provide transport worldwide and insurance, and also, due to extended payment terms, often act as a bank. Many customers forget we have to pay growers, packaging, staff, and electricity bills faster than we get paid."
The company does not believe in competing on price. "That's what's going wrong in the current market. Everyone's an exporter and undercuts each other's prices, both locally and overseas. But we mustn't forget that our neighbors aren't our mutual competitors. It's similar produce arriving from overseas or by air in Europe. Why should importer Galas replace European ones? Our sector must ensure consumers eat a percent more fruit per year. That brings more positivity than a one percent discount," says Derek.
Basstion Fruit participates in international export but is always looking for new markets. Basstion Fruit has already lost interest in India, where everyone is focusing. "Pricing is stable - healthy but lean - but with plenty of risks. That's not going to change any time soon, either."
"We're going to establish a new concept for wholesale and retail clients. Through the company's Polish/Dutch connections, we can present complete top fruit packages to retailers and wholesalers in the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland. We want to combine each country's strengths to offer a comprehensive private and white-label product line. The focus is currently on the German market, for which we've involved a new sales manager. For now, the priority is year-round apples, pears, and blueberries in season," Derek concludes.
For contact and information:
Derek Blom
Basstion Fruit
3 Chrzaszczew
96-230 Biala Rawska
Poland
Mob: +31 (0) 631 956 542
[email protected]
www.basstionfruit.pl/