Events to date

Each country is different and has its own language, regulations and culture. We are aware of the borders that separate countries from each other, but above all, see them as a invitation to explore what lies beyond. And to make what lies beyond them our own. Which is why we visit and organise various events throughout the year, across Europe and even beyond. Let’s look back on the year's events so far!

Agros Moscow AgroExpo Uzbekistan, Tashkent

New to the Russian team Irina Dimanova and Olesya Sukhoverkova

Tat AgroExpo Kazan Fieragricola Verona AgroVolga Kazan

Customer day Serbia

28 farmers gather for an inspiring afternoon

THE LAW GRADUATE WHO BECAME A PIG TRADER

When he was younger, he wanted to be a lawyer. He obtained his master's degree in law, and is now our Croatian commission agent. At a very young age, he was introduced to the industry by his father. At the age of 25, he eventually got into trading himself. And he has remained in the trade ever since. Krešo Loncar is the founder and owner of Resto d.o.o., and has now been working in the industry for more than 30 years. Krešo is now 60 years old, and still enjoys this way of life. Because that's what it is for him; a way of life, not a job. He is always ready to assist companies in his region, 24/7. As part of the VAEX family for more than ten years, he is a real asset to the team.

“It's a way of life”

My working day starts every day around 5.30 a.m. with coffee. Then I check out my to-dos for the day, and what pressing business is on the agenda. Most of my day is devoted to interaction. With the client, but also with the team at VAEX. That way, I can guarantee a smooth flow of business. For me, being a trader isn’t a job, but a way of life. I am involved in it 24/7.

The bridge between the West and the Balkans

The territories I represent are: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia I am, so to speak, the bridge between the Western countries and the Balkans. Given the size of the market I serve, I have had the opportunity to gain experience in different aspects of the industry. My speciality is pigs and piglets. Apart from this, I also have experience with cattle and meat in Italy, Hungary, Spain, Romania and Greece.

Trading in Croatia/the Balkans is more difficult than in other European countries. Purchasing power here is slightly lower compared to EU standards. In addition, the region I serve is a relatively small market, with a limited number of customers and business opportunities. But I am an optimist. The world economy isn’t in the best shape at the moment. However, I believe in a bright future, and that there are plenty of great business opportunities ahead.

Achieving successes together

Over ten years ago, I met Ruud Vosters of VAEX when buying pigs from Germany. Ruud was very professional, and a pleasure to work with. That's why we kept in touch for future opportunities. We were on the same page when it came to doing business. So we started working closely together, and the rest is history.

The partnership with VAEX is extremely good. The VAEX team is honest and friendly. The working environment is relaxed, but, at the same time, the team is active and responsible. We can count on each other. The communication and way of doing business is transparent. Which makes us quick to discuss and resolve challenges. And most importantly, we celebrate the victories we achieve as a team together. I really like the dynamism of the work I do for VAEX. And especially the happy customers.

ABOUT KREŠO

● When we was younger, he wanted to be a lawyer.

He even earned his master's degree in law. ● His tastiest meat dish? It’s a difficult choice, but roast lamb is his favourite! ● When is he happiest?

Relaxing by the Adriatic sea. ● If our customers are happy, so is Krešo!

SUSTAINING THE EXPORT OF HEIFERS

Exporting heifers is an important part of VAEX's operations. Investing in sales to non-EU countries is always done with a view to continuity and doing business for the long term. "Loyal VAEX customers, even in Russia, can count on being able to enhance food security in their countries," says VAEX CEO Dirk Govers.

EXPORT OF HEIFERS

The whole world was suddenly confronted with the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine on 24 February last. This action caused immediate human suffering and much uncertainty. The conflict drags on and, according to Govers, produces only losers. "It is heartbreaking for the Ukrainian people and the country, but the Russian people are also at risk of falling victim to lack of food security." The issuing of sanctions by the international community has strained trade relations with Russia. "Responding to the new reality has also caused VAEX headaches," Govers acknowledges. "It was tough to be faced with this when exporting heifers. We have a loyal customer base in Russia, business partnerships in which we have invested for over a decade. We know them personally, maintain a friendly relationship and understand their specific needs. We do business based on a shared vision and mutual trust."

Shared vision

This shared vision is to make the Russian population completely self-sufficient in terms of dairy production in the future. Heifers from North-Western Europe have been contributing towards accomplishing this in Russia for decades. "We achieve over 80 per cent of our turnover with heifer exports to that particular country. Moreover, we have set up our organisation accordingly with our Russian sales manager Ilona Mioulleri," Govers explains A decisive factor for Govers in maintaining the trade links with regular customers in Russia is his desire to contribute to food security. "The conflict is hopefully temporary, and ordinary Russians shouldn’t have to suffer in the long term," he explains. "Food is a primary need, and production should be secured there too. Tearing things down now, and trying to rebuild them later on, is of absolutely no benefit to this. That is why we supply buyers in Russia with the necessary heifers. All this, of course, is done correctly within the legal frameworks so that we are able to export heifers with the correct documentation there."

Alternative markets

VAEX, meanwhile, is putting extra energy into finding alternative markets outside the European Union for the sale of heifers. "We are already doing business in Georgia and Kazakhstan, and are looking at opportunities to do more. We keep our Russian-language Facebook page up to date for these former states of the Soviet Union, and visit and participate in fairs in that region," says Govers. "But Uzbekistan and Pakistan are also on our radar. We have already visited some fairs in Uzbekistan, but are also looking for an agent for that region. There are also exports to Armenia. In short, we continue to look into alternative markets."

Difficult times

The heifer market is quiet. The supply of heifers in the Netherlands has declined somewhat, but in Germany it is business as usual. "If dairy farmers in the Netherlands are forced to stop because of the stricter nitrogen legislation, we want to provide the opportunities to be able to maximise the value of their cows and heifers," Govers looks ahead. "This is why we are exploring new markets and want to help them meet their demand for high-quality dairy cattle. Making sure a good structure and parameters are in place when needed. These are confusing and difficult times for livestock farmers and everyone operating around them."