Like many organic companies, the Peuleschil was created through idealism. The decision to start growing bean sprouts in the 80s turned out to be a good one. The Peuleschil has grown over the years into a modern company that supplies organic fresh sprouts to a large number of natural food stores. Businessman Adrie Klaassen ended up in a difficult situation a few years after the start. He had to continue the company on his own, as his companion Okke Spahr van der Hoek died at the age of 31.
Adrie Klaassen shows a tray full of organic bean sprouts
Adrie: "We believed organic bean sprout was a hole in the market. This is why we started experimenting with it. We figured out most of it ourselves, as there was no information available on it. This was a bumpy ride, but in the end we had something that looked like bean sprout and it turned out there was a need for it in the natural foods channel." In May 1883 the first packets of organic bean sprouts from De Peuleschil were supplied. There were around 200 of them. "Soon after this we added Alfalfa and the Mixed Sprouts. We soon had a small assortment.
"A really unique product"
After his companion died, Adrie faced a huge challenge. "My wife and I were suddenly alone, but we decided to power through. We decided to focus completely on the sprouts and to stop the vegetable cultivation - which was Okke's speciality." Adrie says that De Peuleschil developed a lot of the machines themselves. "I often realise that it is a really unique product. After the first cultivation cell we further extended the company. And in 1996 the current building was constructed, with space for seed storage. At the moment we have six full timers and 12 standby workers."
More than fulltime
The De Peuleschil assortment consists of 9 types of fresh sprouts. Work is done 7 days a week at De Peuleschil. "This has been the case since the start. They are fresh products. It takes a lot of work to give every sprout the care it needs. Just like a farmer checks on his cows at night, I always check the sprouts at night." The process is very specialised: "Every variety has a different sprouting time. One sprouts after 3 days whilst the other needs 12."
Alfalfa most sold
Adrie indicates that De Peuleschil has grown very gradually. "We grow with the sector. The times have changed, but the essence of the company hasn't: we are still specialised in sprouts without being underground." De Peuleschil's fresh sprouts are widely available. The natural food channel is the biggest buyer. "In a lot of shops most of our fresh assortment is on the shelves. The neutral tasting Alfalfa is still at the top." Adrie says there is less enthusiasm from the catering side: "Various catering businesses in Drachten use our sprouts as a garnish, especially the red radish sprouts Sango and the Chinese leek sprouts, but these aren't large amounts."The red radish sprout Sango.
EHEC-crisis
The EHEC-crisis in 2011 had big consequences for De Peuleschil. "We suddenly lost 50% of our turnover. Luckily, this has completely picked up. Nothing was ever found in our company, but it is horribly frightening. As a result of the EHEC, I have realised that we really have to be at the top as far as hygiene and quality are concerned. It gives you a safe feeling. Since then we have been dealing with things different and have invested heavily in quality control. There is a lot involved in this, for instance there are very regular audits. They check the water and look for EHEC, salmonella and listeria."The Alfalfa sprout is sold most.
For more information:
Adrie Klaassen
De Peuleschil
Komapgnonswei 38
9221 SX Rottevalle
0031 (0) 512 341873
info@depeuleschil.nl
www.depeuleschil.nl