The aim of the trip was clear: to talk to our regular lime growers and get a good idea of the situation in the field. For Dion, it was also the first time he had visited the lime fields himself. “It’s valuable to see the condition of the fields and how they’re maintained,” he says. “That gives a much better picture of the product and the conditions under which it’s grown.”
The growers we visited supply limes all year round and play a key role in supplying the European market. During the visits, we had frank discussions about product quality, volumes and expectations for the coming months. These discussions enable us to remain closely aligned and to adapt quickly where necessary.
Personal contact remains essential in this regard. “By speaking to each other in person, you gain a better understanding of each other’s situations,” explains Dion. “You can see where the challenges lie and what’s going well. That helps enormously in our day-to-day collaboration.” In this way, the motto Connecting Smiles takes on concrete meaning even outside the office.
The outlook for the coming period is positive. The supply of limes from Brazil is stable and the quality is good. Field visits confirmed this picture and gave us confidence regarding market demand in the coming months.
As well as the visits to growers, the trade fair in São Paulo provided a good opportunity to monitor the market and catch up with other stakeholders. It gave further insight into current events in the region and the developments relevant to exports.
The visit highlighted just how important it is to maintain good, personal contact with growers. By working together in the field, sharing experiences and looking ahead, we strengthen one another. In this way, we work together to ensure that consumers all over the world can continue to enjoy our delicious limes.
