The Greenery has a first: artichokes from Dutch soil. "Our strawberry and raspberry grower Jan Pertijs has managed to grow artichokes in Brabant after years of experimenting. Last weekend the harvest will commence and we will start to supply," says Theo Jegerings.
Jan Pertijs
"The cultivation in the Netherlands isn't easy, artichokes are only grown on Texel. Jan had to look for a long time for a suitable variety for our Dutch soil and climate. Because the artichoke is a multiple year plant and most varieties aren't winter hardy, it takes a lot of knowledge and caring for the plants to grow a good quality artichoke here in the Netherlands. Jan has succeeded and as of the start of September this gorgeous product will be ripe for harvest," says Theo.
The artichokes can be packaged by 8, 10 or 12 by 40-30 cm crates, depending on the size sorting available. "We focus on the better wholesalers and market sellers, but we can also serve the retailers and it is also an interesting product for catering," continues Theo. Depending on demand and supply he expects the price level to be around 1 to 1.50 Euro a piece.
"The cost price of this great product is quite high. Partially due to the multiple year cultivation, partially due to the expensive starting material and finally the high production costs in the Netherlands. On the other hand this product can go almost straight from the field to the store, which hugely benefits the flavour and quality."
For more information:
Theo Jegerings
The Greenery
Spoorwegemplacement 1 - Barendrecht
Tel: +31 (0)180 65 69 78
T.Jegerings@thegreenery.com
www.thegreenery.com