This morning, a crate of strawberries was auctioned for charity by Hoogstraten as part of their annual tradition. The strawberries were bought by Delhaize for 500 euro per 500 grammes. Due to a contribution by Coöperatie Hoogstraten, in the name of the cultivators, the proceeds were doubled. The amount of €8,000 was handed over to Maria Torfs, delegate of the MS-Liga.
8,000 euro for charity
More soft fruit
Besides strawberries, Coöperatie Hoogstraten mainly trades tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumber. Last year, the cooperative realised product sales of 222 million euro, and a turnover of 272 million euros, again a slight increase compared to 2015. The sales for strawberries amounted to more than 100 million euro in 2016. “Product sales show an increase almost annually. In addition to tomato, bell pepper and cucumber, Hoogstraten is now also growing further with specials, which are now being grown on 70 hectares. We also want to grow further in cherries, other soft fruit and kiwi berries. We see a considerable increase in demand for raspberries, blueberries and various types of soft fruit, and we have found cultivators who want to invest in that.” The total production of all products combined is 150,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables.
Charity
MS-Liga wants to help people with MS, and their close relations, gaining insight and learning to deal with their condition, and to support them individually and as a group. What are they going to do with the money? “These wonderful proceeds will be used as support for people with MS, so that they can have a human and meaningful life, just like everyone else. After all, the MS-Liga wants to be there for everyone with MS and their relations.”
Time for a refreshment. Curd Vanmarcke from Vergro on the left.
Gaëlle Devos (Category Manager Fruit & Vegetables) from Delhaize is pleased with the purchasing of these strawberries. “We are happy to have bought these strawberries, and to have given the starting shot for the Belgian strawberry season this way. With this purchase, we want to emphasise local production. It is our philosophy to offer as many Belgian products as possible. We are fully dedicated to our partnerships with local producers. And that we are doing our part for a national charity, is an added bonus!”
Celebration of the 20-year anniversary of cooperation with CLTV. Manager CLTV Erik Bastiaensen and chairman Rinie van Tilburg present the gift to Gaston Opdekamp, manager Coöperatie Hoogstraten.
Rinie van Tilburg (chairman CLTV Zundert) used this festive occasion to bring attention to the 20-year anniversary of cooperation with Coöperatie Hoogstraten by presenting a symbolic gift to manager Gaston Opdekamp.
Paul Vanderhallen and Rinie van Tilburg. Paul has been retired for years already, but still remembers when CLTV and Coöperatie Hoogstraten started working together. The cross-border cooperation was unique back then.
Cultivators who are members of Coöperatie Hoogstraten.
The gentlemen from CLTV Zundert.
The table with managers and Tom van Delm, manager of trial centre Hoogstraten.
Laurent Haenen, Eddy Rorijn (Demargro) and Ellen from Fruithandel Sebrechts.
Mathieu Claesen, Mathieu Claesen, Evi Quirijnen, Gaston Opdekamp and Hans Vanderhallen.
Christophe de Brouwer (DSP Food) and Emilie Sion (Delhaize).
Bart and Bart from Greenyard, Natalie Snijers (Hoogstraten) and Mr Weckhuysen (Greengrocer’s specialist shop Vorselaar).
Marcel Biemans (CLTV), Sander Scherff (Nature’s Pride), Koert Liekelema (Nature’s Pride) and Johan van Alpen (Special Fruit).
Delicious pie with, naturally, Hoogstraten strawberries.