Partnership extended for eight more years.
Together we make a strong team that is working to steadily increase the share of Norwegian produce, as well as promote innovation and the development of fantastic Norwegian products.
The agreement was signed in November 2023, and we could not be more pleased. Gartnerhallen has been BAMA’s most important partner for 25 years. Together, we have given Norwegian fruit and vegetables a real boost, with an increase of 87 per cent in volume since we began.
Now we aim to take new steps for further growth. Innovation, product development and a focus on technology are crucial aspects of this endeavour, and we are working hard to make things happen. Also on board is the innovation fund Grofondet, which annually provides financial support for new and promising projects in the area of Norwegian food production and food products.
2023 was challenging in many ways. We had to cope with droughts, downpours and floods. But when you work with perishable goods, you always have a backup plan. After many years in the sector, we are well equipped to adapt, and despite weather-related challenges (see separate articles below), we set several Norwegian sales records.
The year started well, with stock levels high. Our warehouses were bulging with high-quality, long-storage vegetables like carrots, swedes and onions. The 2022 growing season in Norway was extremely good and, we were happy to note, unusually long. This was something we benefited from far into 2023.
However, when the spring arrived, so did the drought. It lasted for weeks and caused problems for a number of crops. Berries in particular suffered greatly.
The summer came – and in August there were storms. The rain poured down in Rogaland, Trøndelag and the eastern part of Norway, making harvesting conditions extremely challenging for our producers. They worked hard and did everything they could, but produce like potatoes, lettuce and berries drowned where they stood. This severely curtailed access to produce in the short term, but also harmed the volume of long-storage products that were intended for sale through the winter of 2023/2024. For example, it became clear that we were going to lack 9,000 tonnes of potatoes.
But that did not stop us.
Situations like those experienced in 2023 showed what we are made of and what a wonderful organisation we have in the form of a robust supply chain and, not least, BAMA people in various locations who are prepared to roll up their sleeves and find solutions for both the short and long term. The conclusion is that we can successfully handle unforeseen events and know how to find smart and innovative solutions when necessary.
Volume/value growth for Norwegian produce:
