Fifth global branch supports company’s growing partnerships in the region
Fresh fruit importer and distributor, Aartsen, has expanded its physical presence in Asia with the opening of a new branch in Mumbai.
Aartsen chief commercial officer, Menno van Breemen, told Asiafruit the move was a “natural next step” in line with the company’s international growth strategy.
“[Aartsen has been] active in the fruit industry since 1907, with a strong focus on Europe and, since 2012, Asia through our base in Hong Kong,” van Breemen said. “India clearly stood out as a market where scale, diversity and future consumption growth come together.”
The company has been servicing India through its Hong Kong branch for some time, but with India’s increasing demand for fresh fruit and vegetables, van Breemen said the time was right to establish a local presence.
“We were already active in India through our Hong Kong company, but operating locally allows us to be closer to customers, manage quality more tightly and react faster to market changes,” he said.
The office, which became operational in September, offers strong connectivity to the port, wholesale markets, and key business infrastructure in the region. Members of the Hong Kong team – international trader, Alban de Germiny, and administrator, Victoire de Germiny – relocated to establish and lead the office and were joined by two new local team members.
Aartsen will primarily service wholesale markets throughout India but is in discussions with retailers and foodservice players for future partnerships.
“We see a healthy mix developing over time,” van Breemen said.
He added that the company would also explore opportunities with Indian producers in the future.
“India does have interesting export potential for certain products and seasons,” he explained. “With our office in India, we do want to also serve the markets Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
“India is a long-term project for Aartsen. We are building the business step by step, with a strong focus on partnerships, transparency, and sustainable growth. We see this as the start of a journey and look forward to growing together with our customers and producers in the region.”
