Our main ambition is to put safe and healthy food on the market at the best possible price for our members. To fulfil this task to the best of our ability, we work closely with other organisations who also strive for the highest quality. Other cooperatives can sell their products here (and vice versa) without any of the growers being members. This type of guest auction is clearly very effective: we have been mixing our own product offer with that of other cooperatives since 1996.
Advantages of this economy of scale
- Interesting quantities are marketed at a fair and transparent price
- Promotion of strong brands with a wide audience
- Optimum quality and food safety
With regard to research & development we work closely with Research Centre Hoogstraten (PCH), which conducts hands-on scientific research into strawberries, tomatoes and peppers. The centre also offers advice and trainings for growers.
There is also LAVA (Logistical and Administrative Auction Association), the umbrella organisation or cooperative of Belgian fruit and vegetable auctions. LAVA manages Flandria, the Belgian fruit and vegetable quality label.
The Association of Belgian Horticultural Cooperatives (VBT) acts as the contact for the horticultural sector through consultation, representation and support.