From May 6 to 8, BelOrta was present at Macfrut 2025 in Rimini, Italy. According to Maarten Verhaegen of BelOrta, Italy is becoming a more important export market, especially for certain tomato varieties, with climate change making growing more difficult across Southern Europe, including in Spain, Portugal, and Italy. As a result, demand for some products has increased over the past 5 to 6 years.
Maarten explains that most fruits and vegetables in Italy come from Sicily. However, when temperatures rise to 35 degrees or higher, quality issues can occur. In Belgium and the Netherlands, the climate is usually a bit milder, and companies there can better control growing conditions. This creates opportunities for exporting to Italy, especially during the summer.
He believes that both Belgium and the Netherlands can offer competitive products to Italy. "We already don't have much competition from the country itself in tomatoes, for example. While you might expect local competition later in the season, Spain and Morocco are more significant competitors. This is mainly because Italy struggles to fully supply its own market," Maarten explains.
"In terms of transport, we are not at a disadvantage. It actually takes longer for products from Sicily to reach northern Italy than it does for Belgian tomatoes to get there. Over time, BelOrta has become a strong and well-known quality brand among traders and even retailers, which we have observed. This reputation helps explain the increasing demand for our products."
For more information:
Maarten Verhaegen
BelOrta
Mechelsesteenweg 120
B-2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
Tel.: +32 (0)15 55 11 11
[email protected]
www.belorta.be