The name Den Berk Délice officially came into existence in October 2014, but the company name was already being used ten years ago. This year Den Berk, Lauwerysen/Krijnen, Luc Beirinckx and Benteltom celebrate working together since 2006. “We have been Den Berk for our customers and staff for ten years already,” Paul van de Mierop, Hans van Gool, Koen Lauwerysen and Luc Beirinckx explain.
In practice the cultivators have been working together since 1992, by exchanging data and organising purchases together. “Den Berk was founded in December 2006 as a partnership, and the ground was bought after that. All in all it took quite some time. Construction started in 2008, and was finished in 2009. Three years after establishment we could start our first cultivation.”
Ten years of Den Berk!
From product to concept
Paul van de Mierop says there have been many high points over the years, including the switch to specialities and market-oriented producing for retail, which were the two most important aspects. “We made the choice to make flavour and quality our highest goals. Den Berk does not just want to think product-oriented, but also to discuss and share ideas about concepts. Besides, we are also developing packaging made-to-size for our customers. We have our own small-packaging hall in order to shift rapidly. We can also better guarantee quality thanks to conditioned storage.”
Cooperation
Hans van Gool is proud of the young and large team. “In order to have our four companies cooperate well, with their 350 permanent and seasonal workers and all 24 executives, we called in an external agency. By having several screening sessions we are now all facing the same direction. The employees of Den Berk all strive for the same mission and have the same vision, the year-round cultivation of flavourful tomatoes.” Van de Mierop sees everyone committing daily. “Tasks have been well-divided amongst ourselves, and we are all satisfied with our organisation chart. We will invest heavily in further education in the future and ensure that each executive is strong in his field. We are also very pleased with the good cooperation with Coöperatie Hoogstraten, which gives us the opportunities to further build on our goals together.”
From left to right: Luc Beirinckx, Paul Van De Mierop, Hans Van Gool and Koen Lauwerysen.
Almost half illuminated
The four companies are striving for less residues on their crops. Important high points were also reached in the field of cultivation and cultivation technologies in recent years, according to Koen Lauwerysen. “We invested in AR and diffuse glass at a time when this technology was still in the development and research stage.” Den Berk Délice supplies its products year-round. “We can supply 12 months of the year, due to illumination of half our company. In total, 19 of 42 hectares are illuminated for Den Berk Délice.”
Difficult first years
Luc Beirinckx takes a brief look at the lows. “During the first year, we did not yet have CHP, combined heat and power. We wanted to start, but could not get connected to the grid. Furthermore, during our first three years, we had two years with very weak prices, in 2009 and 2011. This put enormous pressure on our development. Construction of 25 hectares took place in three stages in 2009, 2011 and 2014. During stage two, we suddenly had much insecurity about the permit, which delayed our planned process. Fortunately, we have endured these difficult years, and can now look back with satisfaction.” For more information:
Den Berk BVBA
Berkelaar 10
BE 2330 MERKSPLAS