Postuma AGF relocated to their new building in the Dutch town of IJsselmuiden this month. Last weekend the building - which totals 10,000m2 - was officially taken into use. Three flags were hoisted in front of it. This wholesaler services fresh fruit and vegetable specialists in virtually every corner of the Netherlands.
On Friday, Postuma AGF invited their suppliers to come and celebrate this joyous occasion. On Saturday, it was their clients' turn. Many representatives of the fresh fruit and vegetable industry traveled to IJsselmuiden to be part of these opening celebrations.
During his opening speech, Erik Postuma expressed special thanks to their construction partners as well as the project leader, Gerald Voorintholt. "With this construction, we have closed a chapter. However, we are also at the starting point of a beautiful future. We want to be the freshest in fruit and vegetables. We strive for this daily."
"I can also not forget our overseas service. We have always been world-renown in Kampen en IJsselmuiden. Now, every Dutch greengrocer knows where to find IJsselmuiden. I would also like to thank my parents. They are the foundation of this festive occassion. I am proud of everyone with a Postuma heart!"
His cousin, Sjoerd Postuma, remembered how, in 1912, his grandfather started peddling fruit and vegetables with a hand cart. Two sons and two nephews then continued the business. "This new building is a visible milestone of the stormy developments we endured", he said.
"It surprised many, including ourselves, in a good way after the KZY auction house closed in 1999. We now work directly with many growers who love us. This is the same with a large number of importers, brokers, and co-workers."
"We believe the future is bright for our sector. We have the wind at our backs when it comes to trends such as health and sustainability. We see plenty of opportunities in the future for fresh fruit and vegetable specialists. We support each other in the new building. Our own vegetable processing plant adds an extra dimension to our activities", he said.
"Whether things will remain as is, I do not know. My grandfather with his hand car, more than 100 years ago, did not expect this. However, I do know that we will always remain who we are. If we deviate from this, please warn us", Sjoerd said to those present. He concluded with one of his grandfather's well-used quotes, "Acht geven is meer dan duizend". This means it is most important to look after your business well.
Jitte, Erik, and Sjoerd Postuma
After the speeches, Sjoerd's son, Chris Postuma, who is a musician, performed a song. Sjoerd and Erik then received a beautiful carving for the staff association. Sjoerd, Erik and Erik's father, Jitte, then formally hoisted the flags in front of the building. This made the opening official.
Many suppliers were present on Friday evening. Many clients also made use of the opportunity on Saturday to visit the new building and be part of the festivities. In total, this wholesaler entertained 2,000 guests over both evenings.
We were there on Friday evening. Click here for the photo report.
For more information:
Postuma
Manenbergring 2
8271 RX IJsselmuiden
Tel: 038-3370099
Fax: 038-3322610
www.postuma.nl