ZON to increase clock auctions 40-50% in 2014

ZON Fruit & Vegetables aims to increase the volume sold at clock auctions by 40-50% in 2014, as announced by the company in a letter to its customers.

In late 2013, ZON determined what its strategy would be for the coming years. One of the key points was to give a greater role to clock auctions. "For years, the focus has largely been on mediation sales, and thus the range and volume of produce available for clock auctions has declined. This makes the clock auction market less attractive for our clients," says the company. "In order to improve its clock auction system and make it more reliable, ZON is planning to increase the volume sold through clock auctions in 2014 by 40 to 50%."

In order to function as a transparent and reliable provider, ZON will introduce a number of rules. The most important:

ZON wants daily trade pricing to be set, as much as possible, through clock auctions. That will not happen for all products at the same time. "From 14 April, we will no longer use mediation with peppers (red, green, yellow, orange) and some tomato varieties (Grand Vine, Vine Red Meat, Tomatoes, tomato Round)," reports the company. "Other products will gradually follow, but each will be announced in advance. If products are needed after the auction has closed, they can be preloaded and arranged through the following day's clock, in which case that price will be invoiced. This can be arranged personally or through one of the available intermediaries. If one fails to arrange this in time, the clock system will handle it, in which case the buyer will be charged that article's highest clock rate. Preloading will be limited to up to 20% of the clock supply."

b. Mediation at a minimum clock rate (clock rate +) 

For products still operating through mediation, the price will amount to at least the average clock rate + a surcharge.

As of Monday, 14th April, ZON will introduce pre-sales for the following products: Peppers (red, green, yellow, orange), Red Vine and Grand Vine tomatoes. More products will be included in the coming months and pre-sale. Information will follow in due time.

Every day, a number of pallets will be offered and the highest bidder can choose how many pallets and in what packaging he/she wants them delivered. At least one full pallet must be purchased. Delivery in principle arranged through ZON's logistics centre; home shipment or delivery to a specific location is possible.