BelOrta is Europe’s largest cooperative auction of fruit and vegetables, playing a central role in the Belgian and wider European agri-food ecosystem. Located in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium, BelOrta unites thousands of local growers and producers to supply an extensive range of fresh produce through a transparent, efficient, and quality-driven auction system.
Company Overview
Founded through the merger of Mechelse Veilingen, Coöbra, and later integrating the operations of Veiling Borgloon, BelOrta has rapidly scaled its presence across Belgium and Europe. Today, the cooperative manages over 1,200 active growers and handles more than 640 million kilograms of produce annually, making it a cornerstone of fresh produce logistics and distribution in Europe.
Core Business
BelOrta functions as a producer organization and auction, coordinating the marketing and distribution of fruits, vegetables, and herbs produced by its members. The auction method ensures fair pricing, complete transparency, and efficient matching between supply and demand.
Product Range
BelOrta offers a vast assortment of more than 170 types of fruits and vegetables. Its product categories include:
Fresh Vegetables
- Tomatoes, Chicory, Head Lettuce, Onions, Mushrooms, Celery, Beans, Carrots, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Asparagus, Sweet Pepper, Brussels Sprouts, Scorzonera, Courgette, Aubergine, and more.
Fresh Fruits
- Apples (including branded varieties like Kanzi), Pears (Conference, Sweet Sensation), Strawberries, Cherries, Gooseberries, Blueberries, and other soft fruits.
Herbs
- A wide variety of fresh culinary herbs tailored for retail and food service sectors.
Organic Produce
- Includes organic varieties of broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, pears, raspberries, endives, pumpkins, apples, fennel, and more — supplied under strict European organic certification standards.
USP and Differentiation
BelOrta stands out in the European produce market through its:
- Cooperative Model: Enables farmers to maintain ownership while benefiting from scale.
- Auction System: Ensures price transparency and fair competition.
- Vertical Integration: From field to fork, including post-harvest logistics, packaging, and distribution.
- Sustainability Leadership: Focus on local, seasonal production with a minimal environmental footprint.
- Innovation in Variety & Branding: Partnerships with breeding programs for exclusive varieties like Kanzi® apples and Sweet Sensation® pears.
Market & Export Reach
BelOrta exports approximately 50% of its volume, supplying major European countries such as:
- Germany
- France
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- Scandinavia
- Eastern Europe
Its produce is prominently featured in top-tier retail chains, foodservice companies, and wholesale markets.
Shipment and Export Data
According to data from import-export monitoring platforms such as Volza and Trademo, BelOrta facilitates:
- Over 640 million kg of produce shipped annually
- Exported to more than 25 countries
- Daily international shipments handled through strategically located distribution centers and cold-chain logistics partners
Capabilities
- Clock and E-auction Systems with real-time bidding
- Advanced Cold Storage for extended freshness
- Integrated Packaging Facilities for customer-ready labeling
- Year-round Supply through extended growing seasons and grower diversity
- Dedicated Organic Product Line with traceability
Certifications & Compliance
BelOrta is known for its rigorous quality and safety standards, holding:
- GlobalG.A.P.
- GRASP
- BRC (British Retail Consortium)
- IFS Food Standard
- Organic Certification (EU Standard)
All participating growers are audited and monitored regularly to ensure full compliance with European safety, environmental, and labor standards.
Testimonials
“BelOrta is a textbook example of how cooperation and technology can modernize agriculture.”
— Belgian Federation of the Food Industry
“Reliable supply, impeccable quality, and strong logistical support. A true partner in fresh produce.”
— European Retail Chain Buyer
Recognition and Achievements
- #1 Fruit & Vegetable Auction in Europe by Volume
- Awarded the Sustainability Champion Title by Belgian Agri Federation (2022)
- Premier Supplier for major EU supermarket chains including Carrefour, REWE, and Albert Heijn
- Official Partner of Fruit Logistica and other international agri-food exhibitions
BelOrta’s transparent auction model, combined with its unmatched variety, sustainability practices, and export capability, cements its status as a trusted and indispensable player in the European fresh produce supply chain.
