Netherlands: Red currant company in full swing

In the end of May the red current was harvested at soft fruit company BerryBrothers from Roggel, Holland. "A little later than usual because of the cold weather," says grower Nijs van Zuilen. This season’s acreage has stayed the same, although BerryBrothers did double it three years ago with the acquisition of another business: "We added another 25 hectare to keep up with demands." With the berry in good shape, BerryBrothers is optimistic about the coming season.

The company may have its roots in Holland, but is very active in Portugal. Van Zuilen: "Red currents don’t always perform well in the glasshouse, not the early ones anyway. Our region in Portugal however, has a climate that is just perfect, allowing us to grow a very decent red current."

But it isn’t just red currents: "We have introduced two new raspberries: the Amira and the Kwanzi," says Van Zuilen. The particular berries are said to be stronger and harder. Last June also saw the harvest of blueberries: "There is a definite rise in blueberry demand; something we are trying very hard to address. We can now offer some interesting new variants like Liberty, Aorara, Ozark blue and Draper."

BerryBrothers IFS Food has been certified since 2011. "This way we can cope with retail demands," Van Zuilen explains. He isn’t aware of any special developments in packaging, but does notice a trend in which customers prefer their own wrapping. "To us this is absolutely no problem, we supply all kinds. A new hype is the packaging of blueberries: they’re in some kind of plastic cup, allowing consumers to pick them from an opening in the top."

For more information:
Nijs van Zuilen
Berry Brothers
[email protected]