VHM Fruit Trade BVBA, operating in tandem with Van Haelst Fruit, is a dynamic and vertically integrated Belgian company specializing in the growing, packing, trading, and exporting of fresh fruits and vegetables. Based in Verrebroek (Beveren), East Flanders, VHM Fruit Trade has earned a strong reputation for quality, traceability, and responsiveness across the European and global produce markets.
Company Overview
Founded and led by Christophe Van Haelst, VHM Fruit Trade is a family-run business with deep roots in Belgian horticulture. The company combines decades of growing experience with modern trading and logistics operations to deliver high-quality fresh produce year-round. With a focus on the Belgian Conference pear, apples, soft fruit, and a wide variety of vegetables, the company has become a preferred partner for wholesalers, supermarkets, and importers across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Core Business Activities
- Cultivation of top-tier Belgian fruits including pears, apples, and strawberries
- Sourcing and consolidation of fruits and vegetables from local partner growers
- In-house sorting, packing, and cold storage using state-of-the-art facilities
- Direct export to international customers with flexible logistics and packaging options
- Import of complementary fresh produce to ensure a complete year-round offering
Product Portfolio
1. Fruits
- Pears: Belgian Conference pears (core product), available in a variety of packaging
- Apples: Jonagold, Jonagored, Gala, and other high-demand varieties
- Strawberries: Locally grown under controlled conditions for optimal taste and shelf life
- Cherries: Seasonal Belgian cherries
- Blueberries, Raspberries, Grapes, Citrus Fruits: Sourced and traded through trusted supply partners
2. Vegetables
- A comprehensive list including:
- Onions, Carrots, Cabbage, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Beans
- Broccoli, Asparagus, Peppers, Leek, Celery, Brussels Sprouts
- Zucchini, Radish, Eggplant
- All products are carefully selected for quality and freshness, tailored to client specifications
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Full vertical integration from orchard to international shipping, ensuring product consistency and traceability
- Direct grower relationships with strict quality control at every stage
- Customized packaging and labelling to meet specific buyer, market, or retail requirements
- Agile logistics management enabling rapid response to orders and market demands
- Strong emphasis on long-term partnerships over transactional sales
Export Markets and Trade Data
- VHM Fruit Trade exports to over 20 countries, including:
- Germany, France, the Netherlands, the UK, Spain, and Italy
- Middle East markets: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
- Asia and Eastern Europe: India, Russia, Poland, and more
- Key export product: Belgian Conference Pears
- Export volume estimated at over 3,000 tons annually
- High demand due to the variety’s long shelf life, sweet flavor, and firm texture
- Investments in cold chain logistics allow year-round distribution of stored and imported products
Target Customers
- Supermarket chains and retail buyers looking for customized fresh produce supply programs
- Wholesale distributors across Europe and the Middle East
- Importers seeking reliable, traceable sources of high-quality Belgian fruit
- Buyers interested in complete category coverage for both fruit and vegetables
Capabilities
- In-house sorting, packing, and cold storage operations with advanced technology
- Direct access to orchards and production facilities ensures maximum freshness
- Logistics coordination for both full container loads (FCL) and mixed loads
- Responsive team with multilingual communication capabilities
- Real-time tracking and documentation for all international shipments
Certifications and Compliance
- Compliance with EU food safety standards and export documentation requirements
- Implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and residue monitoring programs
- Cold storage and post-harvest practices aligned with retail quality standards
- Alignment with Belgian Fruit Auction protocols where applicable
Branding and Market Presence
- Deliscala®: A premium brand used for select product lines, especially pears
- Focused efforts on branding, quality grading, and visual presentation for retail markets
- Engaged in private label partnerships for supermarket chains and regional distributors
Recognitions and Industry Engagement
- Listed in official Belgian horticulture and produce directories
- Featured in international trade publications such as FreshPlaza
- Active exhibitor and delegate at trade events including Fruit Logistica and Fruit Attraction
- Recognized by Belgian export authorities for consistent performance and international growth
Testimonials
Clients across Europe and the Middle East consistently commend VHM Fruit Trade for:
- High product quality and grade consistency
- Timely delivery even during peak seasons
- Flexibility in packaging formats and mixed container options
- Transparent communication and efficient documentation handling
Achievements
- Achieved multi-season export growth in high-demand markets like Germany and the Gulf region
- Expanded portfolio from fruit-only to include a robust range of Belgian vegetables
- Successfully positioned Conference Pears as a year-round retail product in multiple countries
- Maintained customer retention across several markets due to reliability and quality
VHM Fruit Trade continues to strengthen its position as a reliable supplier of fresh Belgian produce, known for operational excellence, product integrity, and a forward-thinking approach to international trade.