Sardinian agronomist Orazio Casalino talks about the phenological state of citrus plants and fruits. "The situation in Sardinia reflects what is happening on a national level. The heat and drought in March and April followed by the frequent heavy rains in April and May and the strong Sirocco winds in early June let do many drops." 

"Therefore, quantities in the three main production hubs - Muvera, Oristano and Villacidro - are expected to dro considerably. The damage is evident for clementines in particular, as oranges blossom in a different period and are less sensitive." 

"With the help of technicians and producers, we are working so that fewer quantities can turn into a higher quality in terms of grades, flavor and appearance. The hot temperature of the past few weeks is affecting crops, as drops are continuing while they should have stopped in late June.".

In May, ABC Westland surprisingly announced that the real estate at its industrial site in Poeldijk, the Netherlands, had been sold to American real estate investor Hines. Earlier, this American company had acquired Fresh Park Venlo from ZON. “Hines makes this investment for the long term. That gives us more strength to continue growing,” says manager of ABC Westland, Herwi Rijsdijk.

This year, ABC Westland celebrates its 20th anniversary, and the industrial estate now consists of more than 55 hectares of land. In 1999, Flora Holland, Van Rijn and Valstar bought the former auction complex of Westland-Noord to retain the fruit and vegetable sector in the Westland and to give it its own spot at a private industrial estate. ABC Westland now houses more than 100 companies active in the agricultural and food sector. The takeover by Hines means the agro-logistical site is entering its next phase.

“With this takeover, Hines offers ABCWestland a strong basis to continue developing, so that we can better anticipate customers’ wishes, and it also gives us a starting point to continue expanding the industrial estate with Hines,” Herwi says. There are plenty of plans to continue developing the estate. For example, several warehouses will soon be cleared to make room for a new, 7,000-square metre hall, for ABC Logistics. Besides the ground floor and a first floor, this new building will also have a parking level with room for 200 cars.

Additionally, ABC Westland still has plenty of expansion options, and that’s unique for industrial estates in the Westland. “Nothing is for sale anywher in the Westland. Honderdland is completely sold out. Demand for available company space and land is high. At the current site, we still have 5.5 hectares to develop, and we’re already talking to some customers about that. Besides, behind the site is a greenhouse horticultural region of 17 hectares, and we own most of the ‘gardens’ there. We’re currently working hard to change zoning plans. once that’s been realised, we’ll have a total surface of 75 hectares.”

Food Center to close late in 2019
Before the end of the year, there will no longer be room for the Food Center Westland, opened in 2015, at the estate. “The concept of this covered wholesaler’s market wasn’t successful. We didn’t manage to get the tenants we hoped for, and visitors failed to show up. The Food Center looked fantastic, but you can’t eat from a pretty plate,” Herwi says. “But we didn’t make the investment for nothing. The cooling cells will be kept, and the hall will be leased in two parts.”

“All in all, I’m feeling positive about the future. We can once again continue growing and renewing. That will attract potential customers as well. One condition for us is that the companies are active in the agro- and food sector. Overseas producers in the exotic category in particular realise the potential of the concentration of companies at one estate, although horticultural suppliers and current tenants also feel confident about continuing to invest due to the takeover by a strong party like Hines.”