Monday, 30 June marked the 30th anniversary of the Growers' Association Prominent.
© Prominent
Last Friday, the anniversary was celebrated with current and former members. After a warm welcome by Demi Groenewegen, eldest daughter of chairman Jack Groenewegen and now employed at Growers United, of which Prominent is a part, Jack looked back on three decades of Prominent. "Thirty years in which the members put the Dutch tomato on the map, transformed the category, and in which innovation and cooperation have been the common thread of today's success."
© Prominent
The evening also marked the launch of Prominent's anniversary film: Ready for the Future. The film was introduced by the youngest generation: Children of Thom van der Voort (co-owner of The Valley Growers) and Cornelis de Rijke (co-owner of Acres), both members of Prominent. In the film, Prominent's six founders reflect on 30 years of growing together and look to the future: the new generation has taken the helm, and Prominent is ready for what lies ahead.
Togetherness as a common thread
Prominent was founded in 1995 when six growers set out to change the image of the Dutch tomato. Together, they searched for a new variety and found Cameo, a truss tomato with redder fruits. It proved to be a turning point. The success of the concept didn't go unnoticed.
© Prominent
"There was a scramble for our tomatoes," Jack Groenewegen recalls of those early days. "More and more growers wanted to join our approach. By working together, we could monitor quality and protect our product. That collective strength resonated, and so Prominent grew into an association of 15 family-run growers, with a total of 433 hectares of greenhouses."
© Prominent
Innovation from the core
Prominent was born out of innovation: The introduction of a new tomato variety. Even after 30 years, innovation remains a central pillar. Since 2013, sales, marketing, and innovation have been managed by Growers United (formerly Coöperatie Door), enabling growers to focus entirely on producing the tastiest tomatoes. From lighting systems and CHPs to the GU Research Centre, where various innovation projects are now underway.
© Prominent
Ready for the future
From six pioneers to a family of family businesses: What began with one new variety has grown into a complete range of tomato types. In thirty years, Prominent, together with Growers United, has developed into the leading fruit-vegetable cooperative in the Netherlands, with a strong position in Europe. Each year, more than 70 million kilos are centrally packaged in retail packaging. At its own GU Research Centre, work continues on new varieties, cultivation methods, alternative growing mediums, and sustainable energy sources.
© Prominent
Innovation and close cooperation remain the driving forces of both Prominent and Growers United, ready to further strengthen and expand their position in the market.
For more information:
www.growersunited.nl
