Robert Blomsteel and Ron den Hoedt, co-founders of EDN specializing in import and export of organic and conventional fruits and vegetables, have navigated a dynamic market landscape since establishing their venture over a year ago. Based in Barendrecht, their focus on organic products, marketed under the EDN organic freshness brand, constitutes a significant portion, approximately 60%, of their total volume. Reflecting on his extensive experience in the AGF trade, Robert Blomsteel notes, “The organic sector has captured my heart over my 25 years in this industry, yet I appreciate the charm in conventional trade as well.”
Currently, EDN is actively engaged in promoting organic greenhouse vegetables, albeit facing challenges due to weather-related constraints leading to limited availability and firm pricing. Robert elaborates, “Programs are ongoing, but the volume available for open market trading remains relatively constrained.” Recent years have witnessed consolidation among organic growers in the Netherlands, influenced in part by uncertainty regarding market returns. Robert expresses optimism for renewed cultivation activities in the foreseeable future, emphasizing the need for stability in sales forecasts.
EDN’s product portfolio includes a diverse range beyond vegetables, featuring their branded sweet potatoes under Green Gold. “The upcoming sweet potato season starting mid-July in Egypt looks promising,” says Robert, highlighting the market’s current robustness with offerings from Egypt and Portugal, and forthcoming organic varieties from South Africa. Additionally, EDN offers limes and Egyptian onions, with plans to introduce organic avocados from Kenya and Turkish pomegranates, both under their proprietary brand, in the upcoming seasons.
European retail and wholesale markets, particularly in Germany, Scandinavia, and the UK, constitute EDN’s primary sales focus. Despite modest organic sales growth domestically, Robert remains optimistic, citing ongoing national promotional efforts aimed at revitalizing the market momentum. EDN recently attained the IFS Broker certificate in May, underscoring their commitment to quality assurance and operational excellence.
Looking ahead, Robert envisions EDN as a well-established entity with enhanced grower partnerships globally and streamlined communication channels. “In five years, we aim to further solidify our market presence and expand our network,” he remarks, emphasizing EDN’s openness to forging new connections to sustain growth and meet evolving market demands.
