2015 is a special year for Special Fruit. April 7th marks the company's 25th anniversary. In 1990, two brothers, François and Patrick Maes, took their first steps in the trade of ‘special’ types of fruit and vegetables. They founded this company based on their exceptional insight into the market for soft fruit and exotic fruits and vegetables. They travelled around the world to seek out the best suppliers. Only those products allowing Special Fruit to stand out from other players were considered. Product variety, quality and availability played a crucial role.
Special Fruit grew steadily. What started with an airfreight delivery of imported Californian strawberries grew to become a major player on the European market, with offices along the most important motorway between the harbours of Antwerp and Rotterdam. Right from the very beginning, the focus was on product and technical innovation, year-round supply and preferential partnerships with clients and suppliers. To achieve success, the company depends on its team of well-motivated staff. The wide range of employee nationalities further emphasises the international character of Special Fruit.
Today Special Fruit remains as principled, humble and passionate in its treatment of products and all stakeholders. Many of these have become partners for life, even friends. How wonderful it is to be able to celebrate a 25-year anniversary on that basis!
Special Fruit anticipates a healthy future and is looking across the borders. The company is embarking on its own production site in Portugal, is forming closer partnerships with growers in Spain and will soon be starting a packing service in the Netherlands. Special Fruit will keep investing. That includes investment in sustainability projects, which is an important part of the strategy. That is why the company is supporting sustainability projects in Africa as well as in Latin and Central America.
Source: Special Fruit