VN Trading produces around 160 tonnes of mushrooms each week: 120 tonnes of white mushrooms and 40 tonnes of chestnut mushrooms. Operating under the name Van Namen Champignons, the family business has been active in the mushroom sector for over 60 years. The mushrooms are grown at several sites within a 10-kilometre radius and then centrally sorted, packaged, and delivered to both domestic and international customers. All products come from the company's own cultivation.
After Pentecost, the mushroom market tends to quiet down, a trend they observe every year. "The summer period is traditionally a bit calmer," explains Mike van Namen of VN Trading. "In autumn and winter, by contrast, there is a clear peak in demand, as mushrooms are more commonly used in hot dishes during those seasons."
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In addition to these seasonal trends, the family business is also feeling increasing pressure from abroad. "Competition from Poland, in particular, is pushing prices down on the export market. So we have to grow and harvest more efficiently to maintain our position."
New nursery in Velddriel
To prepare for the future, Van Namen is currently building an entirely new nursery on Hoevenseweg in Velddriel. "We're taking over the family business from our parents and want to expand it in our own way. That includes this new site."
The new nursery is part of a relocation scheme within the Maasdriel municipality. "We're stopping cultivation at two locations within built-up areas and possibly at a few rental sites as well. We're centralising everything, from cultivation to packaging and distribution, at one location. That gives us better oversight and makes automation easier."
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Fewer hands, more technology
The nursery is being constructed according to the Christiaens Group's pull-through system. Tests with harvesting robots are already well underway within Christiaens.
Construction is progressing on schedule. "The trusses are up, and the structural work is moving quickly. If everything goes according to plan, we aim to commission the first cell by the end of this year, before Christmas. That would be ideal."
For more information:
VN Trading
Tel:+31 (0) 85 273 79 84
[email protected]
www.vntrading.nl
