Bas van Leeuwen speaks about controlling the crops
With 100 hectares of cultivation space, and 23 partners and subsidiaries in 11 countries, it is fair to say that you are globally orientated, and that you are one of the world's largest plant growers." We don't say it too often, and we don't strive to be the biggest, there's no point," director Hans Grootscholten says modestly. "However, we are doing our best to utilise our knowledge around the world. That is how it all started in the first place, with the underlying idea of developing a strong international network. Over the years, we gained sufficient knowledge and experience. We know what goes on in other countries and this conference is always a good opportunity to share our experiences with one another."
Hans Grootscholten in conversation with Max Schwarz Zurkinden from Switzerland
Investing in R&D, also beyond our borders, is starting to pay off more and more, according to Grootscholten. "The crisis with the Tuta Absoluta serves as a good example. Our partners abroad took notice of this infestation long before it surfaced in the Netherlands. As soon as it became a more threatening and more serious outbreak in the Netherlands, we were able to exchange our knowledge with each other regarding this problem, thus anticipating it in time. This is just a small and plain example of what our possibilities are. In other areas too, like planning and business, we learn from one another. One of our partners in Mexico for instance, started a pilot a few years ago to cover for shortages in plant material. In this case, 20% more melon plants were cultivated. In the case of disease outbreaks or other disturbances in the growing process, our customers will always have something to fall back on. This resulted in such satisfied customers that they are even prepared to pay a surcharge."
Grower Bas van Leeuwen together with Hans Grootscholten
Market Approach
During the conference, the main focus of the program, was market approach. By means of lectures, some of which were given by Florapartners and Rijk Zwaan, several focal points formed the base for an educational discussion. "As plant growers, we are aware of what happens in our sector. Not just in the Netherlands, but also in other countries," Grootscholten explains. "During this conference, we brainstorm with each other on these subjects. Consequently the supermarkets are having more of an influence on the demand of emerging products grown locally. Should plants and basic material be coming from nearby? What if the Dutch growers want to look into the Mediterranean countries? The Grow Group would naturally like to adapt. Thanks to our international network, we are already a step ahead. It is, of course, easier for us to open our 24th branch in a foreign country rather than our first."Visit to Westburg
To adapt to the demand of the client and consumer, is also the main focus at the Kwekerij Westburg BV in Grubbenvorst. That's why delegates from the Grow Group visited the grower of mini pomodori's, and red and yellow cherry tomatoes. Horticulturist Bas van Leeuwen, whose father has been buying plants from the Grow Group for ages, gave a tour of the company along with speaking about responding to demand from supermarkets and brought the company vision to light. "The cultivation of our specialities demand the necessary attention, time and energy. Our crops react more directly to weather changes than with loose and vine tomatoes. It is not always easy to be able to fulfil the demand of the client, but because you make the effort to fulfil their wishes, you build a bond. This is turned into an appreciation which is translated into a better payment."Click here for the photos of the visit to Westburg B.V.
The Grow Group Conference also visited the substrate supplier Saint-Gobain Cultilène.
For more information about Grow Group, including an overview of all international partners and locations:
Grow Group
Geestweg 146a
Naaldwijk
Tel 0031 88-0120500
www.growgroup.com
[email protected]