The company Hagranop, from Tollebeek, was founded in 1990 and started with the cultivation of 1,000 tonnes of carrots in the Netherlands; a volume which has now grown to 100,000 tonnes. In addition to its facilities in the Netherlands, the company is currently also based in Belgium and Germany, with a total of about 800 hectares. Hagranop also markets onions and chicory, both regular and organic.
The firm has offices in the Netherlands (Hagranop BV), Germany (HG Frischgemüse GmbH) and Belgium (Hagrabel Sprl). It owns the refrigeration companies Koel- en Vriesveem St. Nyk (jointly with another party), Frigo Fernelmont in Belgium (jointly with another party) and Koelhuis Titz in Germany.
Active across Europe
Mardi de Graaf said: "Hagranop offers cultivation support and we act as storage and refrigeration mediators. We import and export our products to and from Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Israel, Austria, Scandinavia, Poland, the Czech Republic and England. Via various packing locations, we ship our products to many large supermarkets in a number of different European countries."
New cooling facilities
Because of the expanding market, the company has made heavy investments in recent years. "We have new cooling facilities in Titz-Ameln (Germany) with room for 10,000 boxes, which will be expanded this year to 23,000 boxes with the funds from a subsidy that we have already received. Additionally, we have set up a subsidiary in Poland that will be the focus for all deliveries to Eastern Europe."
Expansion of organics
The organic segment grows every year. "It now represents around 20% of the total volume. Germany led this growth, but now it is also noticeable in Belgium, France and the Netherlands. Not long ago, Polish stores started selling the first organic carrots, so we also see growth potential in that."
Hagranop's great advantage is having its own produce in Germany and its own storage facilities. "We also offer cultivation support and we have a strong position in the field of logistics at different loading locations both home and overseas. The quality of our products is ensured through the testing of samples."
By using a special form of warm storage, we can check how long the carrots remain in good condition. Because we are based in several countries and we own cold storage facilities in areas where good storage carrots are cultivated, we are sure to have everything we require."
More oriented towards flavour
"In the future, we expect to find even more locations for carrot cultivation, allowing us to continue delivering great quality produce. We also focus on logistics. We find it important to be environmentally conscious and ensure tha distances are short. In the coming years, Hagranop will still be more oriented towards flavour, which will entail a better promotion for the carrots," stated Mardi.
For more information:
Hagranop B.V.
Westermeerweg 17
8309 PZ Tollebeek
Tel: +31 (0) 527 - 276161