This week, the Dutch sweetcorn season began earlier than expected at Otjens Suikermaïs. "Initially, it seemed to be considerably delayed due to the spring weather, but we got several showers of just the right amount at just the right time. And with the current nice weather, the corn grew well, so we got started after all," says Wout Otjens.
"Volumes will still be limited in these first weeks but should pick up nicely after that. Also, we can keep harvesting until late October." Wout, who joined the family business last year, represents its third generation. His brother followed this season. They grow all their sweet corn around their farm in Etten-Leur, Brabant.
"We control the entire cultivation process, including in-house processing and packaging of the end product. That allows us flexibility and quick delivery of the best quality sweet corn throughout the season. We've grown steadily over the years, and, to guarantee quality, try not to expand too fast," Wout explains.
"We supply our fresh sweetcorn to Dutch wholesalers who, in turn, supply supermarkets. We also have some customers in Scandinavia and Germany." For now, importing is still a step too far for the company. "If there's client demand, we can always orient ourselves to that. But that's a future plan."
As the Dutch season begins, there is no lack of demand. "There's Spanish and Moroccan sweet corn on the market. But as soon as the Dutch sweet corn arrives, buyers tend to switch. Current cultivation methods mean we've managed to extend the season. We're thus not dependent on imported corn, and Dutch consumers can enjoy Dutch corn for extra long," says Otjens.
In the past, Otjens delivered much of their sweetcorn in trays wrapped in shrinkwrap. Now, the market is increasingly switched to flow packs, according to Wout: "We often remove some of the leaves from the cob so you can see the beautiful yellow kernels. We've done that for years. We also offer entirely shucked cobs. New this year is that we're testing biodegradable foil."
The grower is optimistic about corn sales. "Commercials and cooking programs often show sweet corn on the barbecue. For us, of course, that's fantastic advertising. When the weather's nice, demand always rises immediately. Also, corn is becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands," Wout concludes.
For more information:
Wout Otjens
Otjens Suikermaïs
78 Zundertseweg
4876 NL, Etten-Leur, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 657 838 486
Email: wout@otjensbv.nl
Website: www.otjens-suikermais.nl