Biomarché opens new distribution center

Founded in 1987 in Bossiere in Belgium, close to Sombreffe, Biomarché joined Pro Natura, one of the leading European traders of organic fruit and vegetables, in September 2006. The now newly created storage facility –  means that Biomarche is the first organic fruit and vegetable supplier in the Benelux region to have a ripening room dedicated exclusively to organic bananas. The reception and packaging of overseas produce from Central America, South America and Africa will also be carried out.

Picture: The Pro Natura Logo

With its 4,500 sqm of refrigerated areas, specialised equipment and optimised air flow and temperature distribution systems the distribution center represents a very modern standard. This facility has been created to meet the needs of an increasingly demanding and expanding market (with growth currently running at more than 15% per year) and the depot’s geographical location will enable the Pronatura group to expand its produce distribution service in northern Europe.

Biomarche’s Nivelles site is equipped with seven banana ripening chambers with an 84-pallet capacity.

The use of advanced ambient air flow systems results in greater colour consistency for fruit stacked on the same pallet; a technique that creates the perfect conditions for organic and Max Havelaar bananas which are often sourced from small growers or different suppliers. The ripening process varies depending on the country of origin of the imported fruit. The specialised techniques used in this facility become self evident when you take into account that the 'controllable life' of a banana is just one month from crop to shop. Fruit is unloaded green from the ships in the port of Antwerp, while in-store consumer demand is for perfectly ripened fruit. The site also includes four refrigerated chambers with a storage capacity in excess of 500 pallets, providing optimum conditions with temperature control flexibility (from 1 to 12°C) to accommodate the different types of produce passing through the unit.

With its strategically central location in Europe and its new facilities, Biomarche is now the northern springboard for ‘overseas’ produce for the Pro Natura group. Produce from subsidiaries, (such as mangoes, pineapples and winter vegetables that previously arrived by lorry from Pro Natura Cavaillon) will now go directly to Nivelles if destined for distribution to Belgium, northern France and Northern Europe.

In keeping with the company’s own values and with those underpinning the organic farming concept, Biomarche has used the installation of this new facility to improve staff working conditions. By introducing lifting platforms in the packing shed, the company ensures that produce is always at the correct height for employees, thus enhancing work-place ergonomics. Biomarche’s has more than fifty staff members which process over 15,000 pallets per year, this is 13,000 tons of produce handled by the nine processing lines in the packaging section. 

With a stable annual growth rate of 10 % to 15% (and a particularly good April 2007 at +27%), Biomarche supplies a full range of fruit and vegetables, 365 days of the year. Biomarche’s key supplies come from Belgian organic producers – up to 40% in season – and from Pro Natura subsidiaries.

Biomarche has major distributors as clients such as Delhaize Le Lion, as well as organic food stores. The business relationship with Delhaize began in 1990. Biomarche’s initial deliveries of organic fruit and vegetables to 40 shops have since blossomed to cover all the group’s outlets to date (over 300 shops) - Delhaize Le Lion, City Delhaize, Proxy, AD Delhaize and the mini-markets – representing over 80 % of the distributor’s range of organic produce. 

Biomarche’s turnover is 16 million Euros and belongs to Pro Natura, which was established in 1987 by former organic farmer Henri de Pazzis to sell organic produce from Provence. Pro Natura has since, according to their information, become the European leader in the distribution of organic fruit and vegetables. With the acquisition of Biomarche in 2006 and Bioprim (Perpignan) in 2007, the group now employs almost 220 staff and works with a supply chain of over 1000 organic farmers spanning 41 countries including France, some Mediterranean countries, South and West Africa and Latin America.

This year Pro Natura is expected to achieve a turnover of 80 million Euros by selling over 48,000 tons of organic fruit and vegetables via 800 clients based throughout Europe. Figures aside, Pro Natura is also a valuable resource for organic farmers (or those looking to convert to organic farming) with the provision of technical assistance, advice from agriculturists, campaign financing or investment and access to the company’s sales network.  By being a major player in the organic fruit and vegetable market and in production, the company continues to promote organic farming and its values.