“We are focussing on customers throughout Europe, but because Bosnia is not a part of Europe, the Russian market also has a lot of potential at the moment, both from the Netherlands and directly,” says Michiel. According to the importer the apples are grown in a French manner and the Mediterranean climate – close to Croatia, near Dubrovnik – is excellent for the apples cultivation.
“The original trees are from French and Dutch nurseries and most are grown under nets. This means that the product defines itself with quality compared to the apples from Hungary, Romania and Poland.”
The Bosnian apples are packaged in two layers in 12.5 kg boxes. Although the apple market is overflowing at the moment, Michiel has faith in the sales. “The apples from Bosnia are still unknown and there is a lot of produce available in West Europe. We have started with a price around 80 cents. The demand is getting going slowly, but we know that it will really start when buyers have seen the product.”