The worldof fruit and vegetables

from the perspectiveof a Dutch

family company

2015

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© Schrijvershof B.V. 2015

‘The Grapevine’ is published by Schrijvershof B.V.

No rights shall be derived from the contents of this

magazine. Schrijvershof B.V. has done its utmost

in order to mention all those entitled to the visual

material that has been used.

Editing: Schrijvershof B.V. & WebNL

Visual material: Shutterstock, BEELDKR8!,

Schrijvershof B.V., Uva Farms, Varekamp, Oog voor

Afrika and Ixin.

Design and layout: WebNL

Translations: English Text Company (ETC)

More information: www.schrijvershof.nl

Colophon

‘Through the grapevine’ is commonly used to express that information we heard has

been received in an unofficial manner by friends or colleagues, rather than through an

official announcement. The phrase dates back to the age when the latest news and

rumours were shared while working on the land and in the vineyards.

As a family business we perfectly understand the value of relationships. These must be maintained and intensified

by keeping in touch … in word and deed. At Schrijvershof we invest best efforts time and again to provide growers

and buyers with expert advice, smart solutions, genuine care and valuable information. With this magazine it is our

pleasure to share our world with you. You heard it through the grapevine.

“I heard it through The Grapevine”

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Schrijvershof is about connecting the interests of buyers and growers alike.”‘‘

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Schrijvershof believes doing business together means so much more than getting that lowest price. In addition to knowledge and experience, mutual trust should be key to having a sustainable relationship with growers and buyers alike. This trust must be gained every single day, it requires serious maintenance and investing best efforts. It calls for personal commitment, attention and loyalty. Not only in good times, but also whenever unexpected situations might present themselves.

We are convinced that this makes the difference between selling and cooperating, a trader and partner, between all the others… and Schrijvershof.

The difference between a traderand a partnerToday’s international trade in fruits and vegetables represents a high competitive market.

This competition can cause negotiations fixated on prices only. Also cooperation between

chain players can be something of a battle, rather than a peaceful interplay.

S C H R I J V E R S H O F, A D U TC H FA M I LY C O M PA N Y

1930 1940 1950 1960 1970

More trading to consumers. Beginning of ‘peddling’ and

selling in nearby cities

1925

1960

Company establashed in Oud-Beijerland in the purchase and sale of fruit wholesale

1st and 2nd generation 3rd generation 4th generation

Being a partner in good times and bad times.”‘‘

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Schrijvershof is a Dutch family company ex-porting and importing fruits and vegetables across the globe. Fruit is our passion. For more than 80 years we have been investing heavily in our relationships with growers and buyers. And so today we proudly present a solid international network, and yes we dare say we perfectly understand our market. Schrijvershof is not just any link in the producer-consumer chain. It is an inter- mediary that makes sure to connect buyers’ interests to those of the growers. The result is this: superior quality and the best price.

Schrijvershof is convinced that ‘joining hands’ is much more than helping suppliers and customers get together.

Schrijvershof proceeds proactively, anticipating market developments and monitoring parties’ interests at all times.

Market situations may change promptly and out of the blue, so we make sure to remain attentive and flexible, ready to seize the opportunity. Our industry comes with impressive volumes, yet margins are minor. It basically means that we have only one chance to do things right. That is our purpose, each day and down to the smallest detail. For as far as we are concerned, successful cooperation means that all parties have to be satisfied, all of them. It makes us feel very proud, and gives us loads of energy … time and again.

If our approach sounds interesting to you, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We will be delighted to discuss ideas.

1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

First sale in barns. Move to current location (Kwakscheweg)

Start selling stocks to fellow competitor and sellers, it created

wholesale function

Sales fromstand placesand markets

First shops

Newly built warehouse and office space

Start import South Africa

BRC en IFS certificate

Launch in Europe. First import and sales representative.

Start import China and South America. HACCP-certificate

1980

1997

1970 1988

2001

2003

4th generation 5th generation

2005

2007

2010

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Citrus

Grapes Exotics Melons Stone fruit Topfruit Vegetables

Guatemala

Costa Rica

Peru

Chile

Argentina

Brazil

Morocco

Spain

France

Citrus

Grapes

Exotics

Melons

Stone fruit

Topfruit

Vegetables

Our brandsSouth AfricaCitrus

South AfricaCitrus

The Netherlands

Turkey

Israel

ChinaEgypt

South Africa

South Africa Grapes

ChinaPomelo

GuatemalaLimes

PeruCitrus

Go to www.schrijvershof.nl for our stock and daily fresh offers.

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We are not just selling grapes, but rather we are building a brand.”

‘‘

It runs in the familyAt the southern tip of South Africa, a 30-minute drive from Cape Town, lies the

city of Wellington, amidst impressive rocky mountain ranges, breathtaking nature

reserves and highly fertile farmlands.

D E W S O U T H | W E L L I N G TO N , S O U T H A F R I C A

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This is the spot where Laurent and Guy Borel-Saladin have been running their company known as Uva Farms. There are but a few places in this entire world that are more suitable for the cultivation of grapes. The vineyards are located on the banks of the river Berg, which means sufficient fresh water is guaranteed. The condition as well as composition of the soil is perfect and the climate just could not get any better. Adding the two brothers’ 30 years of experience, and behold one of the best quality grapes that exist across the globe: Dew South.

Dew South is a superior quality table grape. The fruit is supplied in a substantial variety (e.g. with seeds and seedless). Dew South is Uva Farms’ exclusive export product. And for this export they have chosen Schrijvershof to be their trusted partner.

“Having a partner who shares our values is a good thing,” Guy comments. “We provide a most delicate product that reaches all corners of the world. To transfer the responsibility for a product like this, one must know for sure that you are likeminded and also that you are fully prepared to promote each other’s interests. Schrijvershof has extensive experience and they perfectly understand what is going on at a global level but also at a company like ours. And because we are both running a family business, we have a very strong relationship. I have the impression we understand each other a lot better because of that.”

“We are not just selling grapes, but rather we are building a brand,” Laurent (marketing) adds. “Focussing on trade only won’t do.”

One must invest in a long-term relationship in which both parties grow towards each other, learn from one another. In that sense Schrijvershof is perfect because of their open and transparent approach. They perfectly understand how the market is changing and they teach us how to fine-tune our work time and again.

Both brothers agree that Schrijvershof is by no means an ordinary fruit importer who is merely interested in negotiating price and availability. “To us Schrijvershof is a partner rather than a buyer,” Laurent says. “And to Schrijvershof we are an appreciated supplier, not simply a production unit code”.

Guy Borel-Saladinco-owner Uva Farms

There are but a few places in this entire world that are more suitable for the cultivation of grapes.

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Minimum risks, maximum serviceSince 2014 Kloosterboer BV has been pivotal to the logistics processes of importing fruits

and vegetables overseas on behalf of Schrijvershof. Kloosterboer is a family business which

came into existence back 1925. Boasting a 3,500,000 m3 cooling and freezing capacity, this

company is a leader when it comes to logistics services that involve temperature-controlled

food products (e.g. fish, meat, fruit, fruit juices and concentrates, dairy and potato products)

in Western Europe. Kloosterboer specialises in transhipment, stevedoring, logistics, customs

clearance as well as logistics IT solutions.

One of the Dutch offices of the Kloosterboer group is Varekamp Coldstores Holland BV, which is located on Agri Business Centre Westland in Poeldijk. Some of Schrijvershof’s products that reach Europe through the port of Rotterdam are transhipped right here in Varekamp. The advantages presented themselves crystal-clearly soon after cooperation began. Willem Nowee, General Manager at Varekamp, sums up, “Not only the activities at the cold store, but in fact the entire logistics flow from farm to this cold store and the information flows involved, are taken care of by our people. This way we are able to guarantee efficient and reliable logistics and keep rates as reasonable as we

possibly can. Also we enable the partners involved to access information on the status of stock and orders, anytime they want.”

“This strategy not only serves Schrijvershof. It is also embraced by the growers and buyers. While Varekamp ensures the smoothest logistics process, each partner in the chain is able to focus on their key activities, whether this may be cultivation or perhaps the commercial aspect of the process”. Marc Vermeulen, IT Manager at Varekamp adds, “Today’s IT solutions allowed Schrijvershof and Varekamp to connect digitally in no time. So daily work has become not only a lot more straightforward, it also

K LO O S T E R B O E R , VA R E K A M P | P O E L D I J K , T H E N E T H E R L A N D S

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minimizes the chance of errors”.Joining hands with Kloosterboer International Forwarding (KIF), with offices in South Africa as well as the Netherlands, gives us the possibility to offer all-in services right from the farm to final destinations like Varekamp. The annual reefer container volume that is shipped by KIF to the rest of the world means that deep-sea carriers have a serious party they need to bear in mind.

As a result, Kloosterboer is able to negotiate good conditions and a good price too. Expert knowledge and over 90 years of experience in fresh food logistics contribute to high-quality services to Kloosterboer’s customers.

Our strategy serves producers, buyers and Schrijvershof alike.”

‘‘

• Family business since 1925• Independent by focusing

exclusively on logistics • Over 3,500,000 m3 cold and

freezing capacity • 650 members of staff• International network with

9 offices in the Netherlands and 6 offices abroad

Quality certificates

• 360Quality• AEO• BIOSUISSE• BRC• HACCP

• IFS• ISO 9001• ISPS• SKAL

Facts about Kloosterboer

The NetherlandsInhabitants 16.800.000

Capital Amsterdam

Surface area 41,543 km2

Provinces 12

Form of Decentralisedgovernment unitary state

Head of State King Willem-Alexander

Motto Je maintiendrai

(I will maintain)

National anthem Wilhelmus

Currency Euro

UTC +1 (summer +2)

Lowest point -6,78m

Highest point 322.8m

Sunshine (annually) 1.600

Rainfall (annually) 832 mm

National sports Football

National holidays 27 April (King’s Day)

5 May (Liberation Day)

HOLLAND facts & figures

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The Netherlands, the cheese countryThe Netherlands has been making cheese since the year 400. Boasting a total production of 650 million kg of cheese every single year, the Netherlands is proud to be number 5 on the list of cheese-producing countries.

1. United States2. Germany3. France4. Italy5. The Netherlands

To the rest of the world, the Netherlands is particularly

famous for its lovely tulips, wooden shoes and cheese.

But does that make sense? After all, tulips comes

from Turkey, and the Netherlands is by no means

the largest cheese supplier in the world. And did

you know that donuts have nothing to do with

the United States, because in fact they were

‘invented’ right here in Holland. Same goes

for the Compact Disk, microscope and

(yes it is true) WIFI.

Here’s a few interesting facts

about a tiny country called the

Netherlands.

t

HOLLAND facts & figures

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Top 5Olympic medals

1. Ireen Wüst (speed skating): 8 medals

2. Inge de Bruijn (swimming): 8 medals

3. Sven Kramer (speed skating): 7 medals

4. Leontien van Moorsel (bicycle racing):

6 medals

5. Charles Pahud de Mortanges (dressage):

5 medals

FIFA classification (football)

1. Germany

2. Argentina

3. Colombia

4. Belgium

5. The Netherlands

Favourite candy

1. Liquorice

2. Chewing gum

3. Wine gum

4. Peppermint

5. ‘Zuurtjes’ (sweet salted candy)

and throat drops

Largest companies

1. Shell (petrochemicals)

2. Vitol Holding (commodity trading)

3. Unilever (foodstuffs)

4. Aegon (financial products)

5. Ahold (retail trade)

Largest cities

1. Amsterdam (790,110)

2. Rotterdam (616,260)

3. The Hague (502,055)

4. Utrecht (316,275)

5. Eindhoven (217,225)

Favourite fruit

1. Apple (22.2%)

2. Orange (18.4%)

3. Banana (14.7%)

4. Mandarin orange (7.8%)

5. Pear (5.2%)

Tulips from Amsterdam?Tulips, bulb fields and flower bulbs are typically Dutch. And yet, tulips come from Turkey. The very first tulip bulbs were actually imported from this country, however it turned out they do thrive in Dutch climate.

18.800.000

16.800.000

More bikesthan people

VOC; the first company in theworld

17,500 km

Wooden shoes; 800 years of Dutch tradition

The Netherlands is home to more bikes (almost 19 million) than people. This comes down to an average of 1.3 bike for each inhabitant.

The Dutch East India Company (in Dutch: VOC) was founded in 1602. Back then it was the largest trade company in the world, and the first partnership with free-float shares.

The oldest wooden shoe ever found dates back to 1230. But today wooden shoes are worn only in the countryside. They do make a very popular souvenir.

The majority of the Netherlands is below sea level. It has about 17,500 km of dikes in total. These dikes make very important flood defences, but they serve other purposes as well, like irrigation and transportation.

This is what the Netherlands wouldlook like without the dikes …

... has more canals than Venice

... has 4x as many bridges as Venice

... is the world’s largest supplier of bacon

... has more bikes than people

... has the most museums on every square metre

... is home to more than 2,500 houseboats

... has the most nationalities in the world

... is the second largest coffee consuming city in the world

... has 400 kilometres of cycling path

... is nicknamed ‘Mokum’, which is Hebrew for ‘city’.

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10 interesting facts about the Dutch capital

Amsterdam...

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1,170operational mills

10 Dutch inventions

Donut1847

WIFI1997

Submarine1621

Fire hose1672

Compact Disk1983

Electrocardiogram1903

Bluetooth1994

VOC; the first company in theworld

Wooden shoes; 800 years of Dutch tradition

The Dutch; het tallestpeople in the world

Small country, huge in agriculture

Because Dutch mills are used not only to produce flour, but also as pumpingstations, in the Netherlands millsrepresent the battle against water.

At 1.83 m, the Dutch are definitely the tallest people in the whole world, followed by the people of Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Estonia.

The Netherlands covers no more than 0.008% of the world surface area. And yet it is thesecond exporter of agricultural products after the United States.

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1

2

3

4

5

6

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8

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2.3 billion litres of beerThe Dutch are passionate about beer and that is no secret. But did you know that every single year no less than 2.3 billion litres of beer is produced in the Netherlands? Heineken is one of the largest and best-known breweries in the world.

180

185

Microscope1595

Telescope1608

Traffic speed camera1966

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South AfricaClimate in South Africa is just perfect for growing all kinds of fruit. Citrus fruits, grapes and

wine are the main export products here. However this part of the world also comes with

an unprecedented variety of flora and fauna. Of all well-known plant species across the

globe, 10% (approx. 20,000 species) grows right here … in South Africa.

This country is also home to ‘The Big Five’ (elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino). Its

wonderfully rich nature makes South Africa so exceptionally photogenic.

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Henk Schrijvershof“Our sales team is customer-focussed to such an extent, sometimes they will push our logistics to the extreme. Let’s just say that’s what colleagues are for. But in the end, I make sure their promises are met.”

henk@schrijvershof.nl

Peter Molendijk“Together with my customer I try to find the perfect solution – that’s my goal, nothing can stop me. Just follow your own route and you won’t be overshadowed.”

p.molendijk@schrijvershof.nl

Ad Toet“To me customer and supplier are pivotal, always. Whatever you do, make sure you are a reliable partner. Stick to that, and you will be on track come rain or shine.”

a.toet@schrijvershof.nl

Our expertsSchrijvershof’s commercial team consists of expert buyers and sellers. Every single day they

set out to optimally fine-tune demand, supply and interests. You are more than welcome to

contact Schrijvershof. Our people will be delighted to help out.

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Maarten Schrijvershof“A good fruit farmer loves what he does. There’s no doubt about that. It’s those farmers I want to be working with.”

maarten@schrijvershof.nl

Willem Schrijvershof“Schrijvershof’s team is dedicated to fruit and just loves the work. After all, pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”

willem@schrijvershof.nl

André Gielen“Some people may fall madly in love with music or art, to me it is fruit that counts. This may sound a little bit odd, but I can’t help it. It’s just the way it is.”

a.gielen@schrijvershof.nl

Piet Hoek“I grew up in a horticultural family. As a schoolboy I’d rather be surrounded by fruit than schoolbooks. In recent years a lot has changed in this industry, but that changed nothing about how I feel about fruit.”

p.hoek@schrijvershof.nl

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Exclusive partnershipIn the past 50 years, Banagrumes has proven to be a professional and reliable fruit importer.

This French family business came into existence when Les Halles in the city of Paris served as a

market. In 1970 this market relocated to a municipality called Rungis, just outside Paris (because

of the rising number of trucks that used to come and go) and so Banagrumes decided to move

along. Today Banagrumes continues to operate from Rungis that today is home to the largest

fresh food market in the world.

Banagrumes specialises in the import of fruit from Spain, South America, Australia and South Africa. Particularly with Spain, the company has a very special relationship. Half the fruit which Banagrumes imports is provided by Spain and half of it by Brio Fruits; the latter is connected with Banagrumes like a family. In 2014 the Banagrumes & Brio Fruits combination was proclaimed best ‘Medium Sized Company’ by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce.

To Banagrumes investing in long-term relationships is pivotal. However working together with your own family is the easiest way to running a company successfully. Although cooperation with Schrijvershof is very special indeed, bearing in mind that both parties have joined hands in 2010 and have developed a very strong relationship ever since. Alain Alarcón (Banagrumes) is delighted with Schrijvershof’s commitment and flexible

mindset. “We can count on them in good times, but also in bad times. In which case they will contribute ideas, and help us tackle whatever problems we might be facing.”Today Schrijvershof is exporting Deona from South Africa exclusively for Banagrumes. Deona is a high-quality consumption orange and Schrijvershof respects Banagrumes’ wish not to supply this orange to any other wholesaler in France. Both companies have joined forced in designing Deona’s name, logo and packaging. Also Schrijvershof has invested best efforts to provide the product in a packaging that meets Banagrumes’ requirements down to the smallest detail.

The relationship between these two companies is a wonderful example of how Schrijvershof seeks to cooperate. For working together is not just about expressing the intention and then wait for the other to make a move. Working together means you actively take part in a relationship, wondering time and again what the other party considers to be important and how you should serve this interest. That is the fundamental ingredient of having a sustainable relationship. As far as Alain is concerned, it is a great ingredient for joining hands in many years to come.

We both actively take part in our relationship.”‘‘

F R U I T I M P O R T E R B A N A G R U M E S

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Taking food safety for granted

At the supermarket consumers trust the products on offer to be perfectly safe. And so, unconsciously most of the time, they also put their trust in the companies and the people who contribute to this food handling process. We believe they should. However recent food scandals in as well as outside Europe have shattered consumers’ faith in the food industry. Which is a shame, becau-se in today’s cutting edge and large-scale process to prepare our food, in fact serious attention is dedicated to the safety of our daily fruits and vegetables.

Today food safety is an indispensable aspect of our daily job as a player in the fruits and vegetables chain.

Particularly when import of fruits and vegetables is involved in parts of the world

that usually maintain different standards compared to Europe. At Schrijvershof we believe it is our job to meet consumers’ expectations towards food … together with the growers.

European buyers are raising the bar beyond legislation when it comes to food safety. Also legislation is usually inconsistent, which means growers are not quite sure what exactly is expected from them. Schrijvershof proceeds to convert buyers’ requirements into crystal-clear guidelines. We supervise, protect and monitor all processes and products and we help growers meet these standards. An IFS and BRC certificate confirms that Schrijvershof is in control, contributing on a daily basis to the purpose: delivering food the safety of which can be taken for granted.

Where does our food come from? How is it made and by whom? What are the steps

required? Lots of children and grownups have no idea. In previous decades increase in

scale, mechanisation and computerisation of the cultivation and handling process has

created a widening gap between consumers and their food.

T H E N E E D F O R C E R T I F I C AT I O N

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The gap between consumers and their food is bigger than ever.”

‘‘

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The added valueof SchrijvershofPrice might well be the most frequently discussed aspect in the international trade in fruits

and vegetables. It is the key element of recurrent themes such as supply and demand, market

mechanisms and pricing. Also discussions about price can cause tensions between players in

the chain, particularly in times of crisis in which price is frequently used as a weapon in the

battle to win consumers.

T H E R E I S A D I F F E R E N C E B E T W E E N T H E LO W E S T A N D T H E B E S T P R I C E

We say what we do and we do as we say.”

‘‘

Now what exactly is a good price? Or, what is the best price? Obviously it depends on the perspective from which the situation at hand is studied. Whether it is analysed from the perspective of the grower or buyer instead. Basically, the best price is the price whereby each chain partner is able to proceed efficiently. Another condition for reaching the best price is that the chain does not include any links that do not add any value. It is an economic law.

Schrijvershof performs its role within the chain between the overseas growers and buyers. The latter can be retailers, wholesale traders, a food service company or perhaps an industrial processor. From this position Schrijvershof serves the interests of growers and buyers alike. To overseas growers, Schrijvershof is the home base

on the European market that comes with the knowledge and expertise required to introduce its product at the best selling price, and the lowest expenses possible. To buyers Schrijvershof represents the gate to overseas products making sure quality, availability and food safety can be taken for granted.

Schrijvershof believes its role will only make sense provided it is performed in a proactive manner. It takes personal attention,

commitment, passion, supervision and support, solicited and unsolicited advice.

The costs involved are no secret as far as we are concerned. By reaching sound agreements we make sure

mutual expectations are crystal-clear. By being transparent at all times, we continue to show exactly what is happening. It is how growers are perfectly familiar with sales, stock and results. This not only ensures peace of mind and trust, but it also helps parties gain the insight required to efficiently meet buyers’ demands.

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Online platformIn a traditional market in which trade requires telephone and personal contact, Schrijvershof is designing an online platform that will take cooperation with the chain partners to the next level. The purpose of this online tool is to offer real-time insight into e.g. (rolling) stocks, prices, quality reports, certificates and order status. At the moment this platform is running in a test environment, however it should be ready anytime soon. It is how Schrijvershof makes a difference, not only with the people, but also with its business processes.

A small player with huge plansJudith Quevedo, owner of an export company known as Ixin Quesal S.A. in Guatemala, is

always on the road. From plantation to the packing centre and from the Citrus Committee to

scientists investigating the plant material. Guatemala is a big country with some very serious

distances to cover, and Judith’s programme is a busy one.

I X I N | S A N C R I S TÓ B A L , G U AT E M A L A

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Five years ago Judith decided to set up her own business. She has been extremely busy ever since. Judith is ambitious and determined to achieve her goals. Now, these are beyond running a financially healthy and successful company. Judith wants to contribute to economic growth in Guatemala’s less privileged regions. It is exactly why she has chosen limes to be her export product. Other products like mangoes

and melons will only provide temporary work. Limes on the other hand are cultivated all year round. Guatemala is only able to provide a fraction of the quantities compared to the major production countries Mexico and Brazil. However it seeks to produce outstanding quality and develop better cultivars.

It is this ambition that caught the attention of the Netherlands CBI (Centre for the

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Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries) and so Ixin was added to the coaching programme of this organisation. It is how Judith and Schrijvershof got together.

Schrijvershof is a professional but above all it is a dedicated intermediary. It perfectly understands that Europe’s strict requirements as far as import is involved present a serious challenge to growers and exporters. Quality requirements are substantial and usually they are different in each country. So as a grower you need a partner who will not only judge you, but who will guide you as well. A partner who will help you reach the quality envisaged and obtain the certificates required. In recent years Schrijvershof and Ixin have worked together very closely in order to upgrade the product, but also when it comes to e.g. packaging and export processes.

Today Ixin is smoothly exporting products through Schrijvershof, to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Cooperation and ambition

continue to grow. At the moment Ixin is designing a plan to combine the forces of local, small-scale farmers in the Ixcan region. With this type of projects Ixin is joining hands

with Schrijvershof to its great benefit. For now Ixin has the possibility to continue to improve production which is a good thing for the region in particular and for Guatemala in general. In association with the Schrijvershof team, Judith is looking forward to a wonderful future.

Judith Quevedoowner Ixin Quesal S.A.

As a grower you need a partner who will not only judge you, but who will guide you as well.”

‘‘

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The Vitamin C Portof the World

Trade and transport run through Dutch people’s veins.

In previous centuries the epicentre of these activities

has been the port of Rotterdam, the largest port across

the globe for so many years. In fact today the city of

Rotterdam is still home to the largest port when it comes

to fruit transhipment worldwide. Schrijvershof is located at

a stone’s throw, in a place called Oud-Beijerland.

Rotterdam is known for its dynamic character. In Rotterdam, as they say, all shirts are sold with sleeves already rolled up. In World War II the city experienced heavy bombing, losing the majority of its city centre. So when the war came to an end, it was left with serious amounts of building land and with the indestructible urge to recover the city in all its glory and in fact make it even more beautiful. This urge continues to today, for Rotterdam is always on the move, judging by its impressive skyline that comes with quite a few permanent hoisting cranes.

The city of Rotterdam presents one of the most important logistics centres in Europe.

Also it is internationally acclaimed in terms of art, culture and architecture. This is evidenced by the city’s many museums and exceptional construction projects like De Rotterdam (the largest building across the Netherlands) by Rem Koolhaas, state-of-the-art (railway) Central Station, the Erasmus Bridge and Markthal (food Walhalla) which opened its doors not too long ago.

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Expansion at seaIn late 20th century it turned out that the Port of Rotterdam had been wanting to expand in order to meet economic growth and the ever increasing demand for container transhipment facilities. However the existing port offered insufficient space. So a plan was designed to expand today’s area … at sea. This project which is known as Maasvlakte 2 has now been realised, providing a 2,000 hectare new industrial and port area off the coast of the ‘old’ harbour. For when it comes to business activity, the people of Rotterdam won’t be stopped.

In Rotterdam all shirts are sold with sleeves already rolled up.”

‘‘

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MarkthalMarkthal is an indoor food market at the heart of the city, covering a total surface area that is bigger than a football field. It is dedica-ted to approximately 100 fresh food units, and flowers and plants are also available. In the flanks of the arch visitors are invited to indulge in exciting food shops, catering establishments and there is even a cooking school. Above the market floor are 10 floors with over 200 flats. Rotterdam’s Markthal is a unique concept indeed. It welcomed its very first visitors in October 2014. And so the city may continue to claim its title Vitamin C port of the world.

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The Schrijvershof CREW