The advantage of Belgian aubergines is the freshness
The aubergine is usually associated with Southern European countries, but the plant is also gaining popularity in Northern Europe. In fact, high-quality aubergines have been grown in Belgium for several decades. UK imports of the versatile vegetable has seen an increase of 16% over a 5-year period. There is no sign of sales slowing; there is every expectation the aubergine category will continue to grow in the UK.
The Heulens family from Vremde, Flanders, has been growing aubergines for almost 30 years now. With a plantation of 7.5 hectares and 400,000 plants, it is the largest aubergine grower in the region, accounting for some 30% of the Belgian aubergine production. Today, the second generation is at the helm of the company, with siblings Jan, Tom and Ann.
“The wide use of aubergine in world food means younger generations are already more familiar using the vegetable in their meals. The aubergine is highly versatile and nutritious and for that reason often the star in vegetarian dishes. Therefore, offering UK shoppers with high quality aubergine options is a must for retailers,” concludes Jan.
Jan Heulens has shared his thoughts on why UK retailers should be looking to Belgium for quality produce in this category, with flexibility, freshness and sustainability high on the list. “An advantage of Belgian aubergines is the freshness,” says Jan. “The producers are very responsive - harvest and delivery to exporters can happen on the same day, and it is possible to have the products available on UK shelves on very short term, in all sorts of different packaging. In general, the UK consumers prefer the medium sizes of aubergine, a grading the Belgian suppliers can perfectly cater for.”
A growing influence on purchase for UK shoppers is the sustainability credentials of produce, Jan Heulens believes Belgian aubergines are well placed to help retailers maximise sales on this trend: “The application of organically integrated cultivation is a big plus for Belgian produce. A focus for us is nature helping nature, for example, the use of predatory insects to tackle some of the natural enemies of the aubergine plant in an organic way, as an alternative to synthetic pesticides. Furthermore, a climate computer in the greenhouses ensures the most efficient use of resources”.