Planeta Orgânico interviews EOSTA

The Dutch company EOSTA has worked in the international organic market since 1990, exporting to the USA, Europe and Asia. Being involved in the sector’s whole production chain, the fruit and vegetable markets are developed by the company, which already imports from many Brazilian producers.

Volkert Engelsmann is the founder and is coming to attend the BioFach Conference in Rio de Janeiro on September 25 and 26. Planeta Orgânico interviewed Volkert in order to learn more about EOSTA and the sector’s trends.

where
ecology meets economy

PO - How long has Eosta operated in the organic market?

Volkert - We have worked in it since 1990.

PO - You have a very interesting presentation about consumer behavior.
How do you see the consumer developing in relation to organic production?

Volkert - We consider the consumer as a sleeping giant. All the signs indicate that the consumer’s attention is growing in relation to the aspect of food and environment quality and social justice. The consumer has been supporting organic production methods more and more.

PO - What have the growth rates been in the European organic market in the last five years?

Volkert - The growth in the European market has been around 25% per year. Eosta’s growth has surpassed the 40% mark, on average, in the last five years.

PO - What are the organic products you consider most important to import in the European organic market?

Volkert - Speaking on behalf of Eosta, at the moment, we need the following products: mangoes, pineapples, Tahiti lemons, papayas, citrus fruits and melons.

PO - Do you believe that the norms and legislation for the organic sector in the European Union have reached their best format for the internal market?

Volkert - I believe that there is always some homework to be done.

PO - How do you see an event like the BioFach Conference in Brazil? What are your expectations?

Volkert - We are very enthusiastic about the Conference. We love the inspiring method to develop the work carried out by the Brazilian organic producers and we love to work with them.

PO - In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges to be faced by the organic market in the next few years?

Volkert - While the organic products become the "mainstream" (the trend), integrity and quality will have to accompany the growth in quantity. That is what consumers expect. The quality of cosmetics will become all-encompassing due to more holistic aspects, like the quality of food and the environment and fair-trade.