The Benelux region, comprising of Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg, makes up Europe's bustling hub of production and exports. These three neighboring states share not just borders, but also a strategic geographical advantage.
Though small in size, The Netherlands boasts a moderate climate and vast flatlands, making it the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products. This is evident in its exports of fresh carrots, cabbage, potatoes, and onions, all transported by reefers to the East Mediterranean and the Middle East. The Netherlands is also a big reefer exporter of commodities like dairy, fish, meat, chocolate, ice-cream, and pharmaceuticals.
Potato Pioneers: The Seed Potato Industry
Operating at the heart of Europe, The Netherlands and Belgium stand out as dominant players in the seed potato industry. With some 3.8 million tons exported each year to more than 150 countries around the world, they have certainly made their mark on the international culinary scene. This incredible growth is due to the increased global demand for potato products.
Their secret ingredient? The quality of the local farmland.
Did you know?
Over a hundred years ago, much of The Netherlands was underwater. The Dutch built dikes to gain land from the sea, resulting in extremely fertile clay grounds where high-quality products now grow.
Over a hundred years ago, much of The Netherlands was underwater. The Dutch built dikes to gain land from the sea, resulting in extremely fertile clay…
The Belgian potato industry is all about quality.
Both the soil and the climate of northwestern Europe prove perfect for potato production. As a result, the region produces some of the highest yields in the world, with over 3,500 local farmers producing nearly 100,000 hectares of potatoes across the country.
Weathering the Storm: The Impact of Climate
The volume and quality of potato crops depend significantly on the weather, which continues to affect crops volumes even today. The 2018-2019 growing season faced a significant setback due to a lengthy drought followed by intense heat waves, impacting the amounts and quality of seed potato yields. This year has been quite the opposite, with an extreme wet season, highlighting the importance of balanced weather conditions for optimal potato growth.
In the fast-paced world of potato exports, timing is key.
To manage the sheer volume of containers moving in a short period, it’s crucial to have the right equipment in the right place, at the right time.
Tim van Raaij, ZIM Netherlands Sales Manager adds: “We realized that if only we supply our customers with equipment close to home, it will help them in saving waiting time when picking up containers inside the ports. These inland depots, located at a close range to their premises, where packing and stuffing takes place have proven invaluable, not only saving customers additional costs but also streamlining the supply chain, by shortening the distance and time needed to transport the goods.”
Preparations for the potato export season begin even before the season starts, typically as early as June and July, with close coordination between logistics, customer service, and sales, remaining key to ensure that the containers are positioned and available at the right locations.
Gearing Up for a Successful Season
Between market projections and customer expectations, the Benelux is rooting for yet another successful season of global exports.
“Being around this trade for so long, the sales team here are always ready to go. Their experience spanning over the East Med trade is impressive – knowing exactly how to assist local customers’ needs and any questions they might have along the way.”
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