Waterman Onions has long outgrown its role as an onion packaging facility. The launch of the Waterman Food Group during Fruit Logistica in Berlin illustrates that. Along with Waterman Onions, the group includes companies like Faiafood, Sawari Fresh, JAWA Food, BioCrops, Holland Cambridge Farms, Uienzaad Online, and Roussel Onions.
Erik and Wim Waterman
Erik Waterman explains: "Partnering with these companies often sprung from a client/supplier relationship. Close collaboration leads to alliances, new ideas, and product innovations. The Waterman Food Group companies are joining forces to supply a wider range of high-quality seasonings worldwide, from onions, garlic, and ginger to processed and pre-cut products."
Erik and his brother joined this Dutch family business as the third generation 25 years ago. "I'm proud of what we've achieved. We're growing, but we don't want to be the biggest. Our distinction lies in diversity and superior quality. We want to be innovation leaders and continuously improve processes to remain customer-oriented and future-proof."
Optical grading technology
Waterman Onions recently invested in Flikweert Vision's latest optical grading technology. "Each onion is carefully checked for quality and color. These machines work efficiently and quickly, ensuring consistent quality for our buyers," says Erik.
The 2024 harvesting season went well. "It's been a great year with good sales and quality. After two years of high prices, it was important to recapture the market with quality and competitive prices. The yellow onions are competitively priced. Red and organic onions, though, are more expensive, mainly due to challenging growing conditions."
Sustainability
Sustainability is a keyword at Waterman Onions. "We've invested in an Energy Management System with solar and wind power and energy storage. We now generate as much energy as we consume, which is unique in the onion sector. That means our power supply isn't only sustainable, it's also cost-efficient," Erik points out.
Sustainability also plays a role with their retail clients. "We can now give them reports about our impact. We're no longer directly compensated more for sustainable products, but I believe it appeals to customers and helps with cost efficiency."
Seasoning
What are Waterman Onions' biggest challenges going forward? With the introduction of the Waterman Food Group, the next steps have been taken to serve the market more broadly as a full-service provider for customers, Waterman replies. With not only onions but other top-quality seasonings, too.
"We also want to extensively automate our processing and packaging to improve quality further and increase efficiency. Founding Waterman Food Group expands our product range and optimizes the entire chain."
"We want to increase our diversity and quality. Our passion for seasonings, innovation, and sustainability means we're building a future in which we not only grow in volume but also in influence for our buyers and the sector," Erik concludes.
For more information:
www.watermanfoodgroup.com
www.waterman-onions.nl
Waterman Onions
+31 (0)527 617 496
info@waterman-onions.nl
www.waterman-onions.nl