With 270 hectares, Paul van den Elzen is the largest leek grower in the Netherlands. "We're expanding well, but over the years, Dutch acreage has shrunk, and grower numbers are decreasing. That makes it increasingly difficult for companies around us to innovate. Our disadvantage is that we often invent the wheel but are happy to do so, in production, processing, and marketing," begins Gijs van den Oever.
The sales representative sees the current leek market situation as quite positive. "Prices are reasonable and, at least, not around the €0.20-€0.25 we've sometimes seen at this time of year. Those prices are outdated. The climate's changing, requirements are stricter, wages have risen sharply, and returns must reflect that."
"I still wonder how prices are set because they often rise and fall like a ping-pong ball. This year's leeks' quality is fantastic. It's still fairly warm, and we can see that in the leeks' growth. The volumes remain good. We, naturally, don't know yet what winter weather we'll get, but we'll cover everything again in time before that sets in," says Gijs.
Van den Elzen – Vegetable Innovators
The company recently invested heavily in organization and repositioning, which led to a new logo and identity. "From now on, we're officially Van den Elzen - Vegetable Innovators. That's because we're constantly looking for new, innovative, smart developments in leek cultivation, processing, and marketing. That includes things like sustainable water management, reducing chemical use, and more efficient energy use."
Irrigating leek plants innovatively.
"We realize we can take nothing for granted anymore due to climate change. That requires a different view and approach so we can, ultimately, remain a step ahead. Our customers and we, thus, move with the times and respond to tomorrow's issues," Gijs explains.
"A great example is that we recently started testing mechanized weed control in the leeks. That reduced the use of crop protection products, so we immediately implemented this pilot in the entire crop. We're creeping ever closer to ecological cultivation with these techniques, while maintaining our all-important quality standards."
"We also keep looking for uses for the whole leek stem. By considering leeks differently, you come up with some surprising concepts," says Van den Oever. "There's growth potential regarding sales too. We know Dutch clients through and through, but elsewhere in Europe, there's still room to expand. Not only in retail but also in the hospitality industry."
"Insufficient staff or time often leaves buyer issues unaddressed. Here, too, we take a supporting role and brainstorm what path Van den Elzen should follow. We ensure that customers get the best - whole or sliced - leeks with the best possible support. And, of course, we produce fresh every day, from our crop, all year round," Gijs concludes.
For more information:
Gijs van den Oever
Van den Elzen – Vegetable Innovators
21 Duifhuizerweg
5406 TB, Uden, NL
Email: [email protected]
New website: www.vdelzen-vi.nl
