Growers join together to raise consumption of Dutch fruit and vegetables

The horticulture sector is coming together in the coalition 'Samen Sterk'. In this, seven important players from the sector - RedStar, Looije, Greenco, Veiling Zon, Harvest House, DOOR Partners and Van Nature - have united to encourage the Dutch consumer to raise the consumption of Dutch fruits and vegetables. The initiative is being supported by LTO Noord Glaskracht and is a response to the Russian boycot of fruit and vegetables from the European Union.

The Dutch horticulture sector - especially the cultivation of fruit and vegetables - is being hit heavily by the boycot. The export of countless products from the EU, among others, to Russia is being banned for one year. This is reason for the most important horticulture players to group to form Samen Sterk. Samen Sterk has no profit goal and aims to mobilise the Dutch consumer to buy more domestic fruit and vegetables. Samen Sterk has spoken to a number of parties within the sector and is not ruling out that other organisations may join them.

National campaign

The coalition "Samen Sterk" today gave the starting sign for a national campaign to promote the diversity, flavour and quality of Dutch fruits and vegetables. Action will be taken under the motto: "Strong together, working with Dutch fruit and vegetables!" This will be added to by encouraging consumers through social media, among other things, such as sharing #SamenSterk with their own recipes and inspirations, and activities on the shop floor and through restaurants. The website www.StichtingSamenSterk.nl is an interactive community where consumers can find information on the Dutch horticulture sector, can find inspiration for fruit and vegetables from Dutch soil and can share information about the campaign.