Strong position CombiVliet because of absolute durability

For a long period Theo van Vliet's company only grew cherry tomatoes. But the they left this specialised area; growing bigger meant an increase of the assortment for Van Vliet. In addition to cherry tomatoes CombiVliet now also grow tomatoes on the vine and plum tomatoes, a large part of these under growth lights. "Northwestern European growers are involved in a crowded market during the summer and during the winter season with an emptier market. A large company must profit from that, but a good quality product is only possible with growth light in winter," Theo van Vliet explains.

 

Van Vliet is general director. He and operation director Edwin de la Combé, financial

director Eric van Heijningen and Theo's son Roy, who runs the establishment Noordvliet in Middenmeer, are shareholders of CombiVliet. CombiVliet is a member of FresQ and sells the products via FressQ-FrEsteem B.V. They go to supermarkets chains all over Europe with a growing stream of products to Eastern European countries.

 

In all countries and on all markets CombiVliet wants to distinguish itself through sustainability. Everything which contributes to this (technological, ecological, social and economic level) is, if at all possible, used. The organic plant protection, cultivating with the least possible use of chemical plant protection means, is definitely part of this. Theo van Vliet was an early starter as far as this is concerned. "The ichneumont fly Encarsia formosa was the first fighter at my father's company" he remembers. He studied the new technique. The organic plant protection and the working with healthy balances was fascinating. I enjoyed looking for new possibilities and to establish their usefulness."

 

CombiVliet have in 2012 firmly organised the organic plant protection. Spread over the seven establishments four co-workers have been trained to be specialists looking from day to day after the health of the plants. They are responsible for scouting and registration and pollination. Van Vliet: "In our organisation we have made a separate job out of organic plant protection. Only then it can be properly organised and formed. The four specialists are very enthusiastic and motivated. They try and obtain whatever is possible from the biology."

Consultant Ben Driessen of Koppert advises CombiVliet. For more than thirteen years he has been the point of reference for Theo van Vliet and his employees. They learn from each other Van Vliet and Driessen and do not walk away from discussions. "One has to listen to the other" Theo van Vliet says "and to allow the other space. When opinions cease I often choose a practical compromise: then we do something my way and his and then we establish later whatever works best."

 

In the North Holland Middenmeer CombiVliet is building a new extension at the moment: a second phase of 12 HA. In total about 100 HA can be built there and that has also already been planned: each year up to 2018 12 HA of glass will be built. Is the company not afraid that the market will be unable to absorb this? Theo van Vliet: "The market is up and down and it has always been like this. But different from years ago one now needs knowledge. Every client needs to be served 'made to measure', the quantity to be guaranteed and made sure of absolute sustainability. If that is true every day your position will remain healthy. Then one will definitely remain available."

Source: Biojournaal, Koppert Biological Systems