Xenia Europa B.V., based in Oss, Netherlands, is a specialized fruit marketing and trading company dedicated exclusively to the promotion, sales, and distribution of the Xenia® pear—a high-quality, club-variety pear cultivated under strict quality and sustainability protocols. Established in 2010 as the commercial arm of the Xenia NL/BE growers' association, the company coordinates a supply chain of certified growers, packers, and distributors to offer consumers across Europe a premium pear experience.
Core Business and Mission
The core mission of Xenia Europa B.V. is to build sustainable value chains around the Xenia® pear variety while delivering consistent quality and excellent shelf life for retail and foodservice markets. The company plays a critical role in connecting organic and conventional Xenia pear growers with premium buyers in key European markets through its structured club model, which ensures consistency, traceability, and transparency throughout the supply chain.
Product Portfolio
Xenia Europa B.V. focuses on a narrow but high-value product range:
-
Xenia® Pears (Conventional)
- Crisp and juicy flesh
- Smooth skin with minimal russeting
- High °Brix and strong storability
-
Organic Xenia® Pears
- Certified organic under EU regulations
- Sourced from growers adhering to Demeter and PlanetProof standards
-
Organic Conference Pears (available in limited volumes)
- Targeted for niche organic retail programs
All fruit is supplied through partner growers across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany and is packed in certified facilities using recyclable or compostable packaging solutions for retail clients.
Specialization and Unique Selling Points
- Single Variety Focus: As a mono-varietal platform, Xenia Europa B.V. brings deep agronomic and postharvest expertise in a single product
- Exceptional Shelf Life: Xenia pears can last up to 7 days longer at retail compared to similar varieties, reducing food waste
- Zero-Waste Value: The pear’s minimal bruising and shrink at retail supports high sell-through rates
- Structured Club Model: Growers are contractually tied to the Xenia program, ensuring uniformity and compliance with quality protocols
- Sustainable Farming: 100% of growers are GlobalG.A.P. certified, and most also comply with PlanetProof or Demeter organic standards
Production and Harvest Data
According to export data and company reports:
- Annual Production (Conventional): Approx. 10,000 metric tons
- Annual Production (Organic): Approx. 500–700 metric tons
- Total Grower Network: Over 50 producers in NL, BE, and DE
- Harvest Period: September to October
- Storage: Ultra-low oxygen storage enables supply continuity through March–April
- Primary Grading Standards:
- Size: 60–90mm
- °Brix: ≥12
- Pressure: ≥5.5 kg/cm² at pack-out
Postharvest handling is conducted in BRC-certified packhouses with calibrated grading and optical sorting.
Export and Market Reach
Xenia Europa B.V. supplies both organic and conventional Xenia® pears to a growing network of international retail and wholesale partners:
- Top Markets (2023):
- Germany (40% of total volume)
- France (15%)
- Austria, Netherlands, Scandinavia (25%)
- Rapid growth in Italy and Spain (combined 10%)
- Distribution Format:
- Retail-ready flow packs
- Bulk boxes for loose merchandising
- Organic SKUs with bilingual labelling
Sales campaigns emphasize the pear's environmental credentials, shelf-life advantage, and flavor profile, tailored to consumer preferences in each region.
Target Customers
Xenia Europa B.V. serves:
- Retail Chains: Organic and conventional supermarkets in EU
- Importers and Wholesalers: With focus on club fruit differentiation
- Foodservice and Institutional Buyers: Seeking low-waste, premium fruit solutions
- Online Fruit Retailers: For home delivery SKUs in recyclable packaging
Promotional campaigns in Germany and France have included tastings, in-store POS marketing, and co-branded sustainability messaging.
Capabilities
- Full Traceability: From orchard to shelf via digital batch coding
- In-House Quality Control: Including dry matter, sugar content, and firmness testing
- Marketing Support: Region-specific marketing kits and trade show participation
- Supply Planning: Pre-season allocation and contract farming with packers and buyers
- Organic Program Management: Multi-standard certification compliance, including PlanetProof and Demeter
The company uses a centralized sales model supported by decentralized logistics from cold storage hubs in NL and BE.
Certifications and Compliance
Xenia Europa B.V. and its network maintain comprehensive certifications to meet European food safety, organic, and ethical sourcing standards:
- IFS Broker Certified
- QS Trading Standard
- Organic (EU Regulation 2018/848)
- Demeter Certification (select growers)
- On the way to PlanetProof
- GlobalG.A.P. for 100% of growers
- BRC Food Safety Certified Packhouses
These certifications ensure compliance with buyer-specific MRL limits, environmental reporting, and ethical labor standards.
Testimonials
“The Xenia pear’s consistency and shelf life are unmatched in our category. Minimal shrink and high customer satisfaction make it an easy listing.”
— Fresh Produce Buyer, Major German Retail Chain
“For our organic fruit section, the Xenia brand is an ideal match—flavorful, certified, and visually appealing. It’s a customer favorite.”
— Organic Category Manager, French Supermarket
Achievements
- Launched Xenia® pear commercially in Europe in 2010
- Over 10,000 metric tons of Xenia pears sold annually
- Certified in 6 major EU sustainability and safety programs
- Retail penetration in 9 European countries
- Gained new market access in Spain and Italy (2022–2023)
- Collaborated with Demeter & PlanetProof growers to expand organic Xenia range
Xenia Europa B.V. continues to scale its production and market reach, supported by a deep commitment to sustainability, varietal integrity, and delivering a consistent, high-quality eating experience across Europe.