Author: Thijmen Tiersma
© GroentenNieuws.nl
Tholen – Royal Berry had a great time on Wednesday afternoon, as they paused under a bright blue sky to celebrate the 12.5-year anniversary of the strawberry cultivation company. Even more beautiful was that grower Jan van Genderen could share an extensive speech about his rise as a strawberry entrepreneur at the new location in Bemmel. The remarkable construction process of the 12 hectares greenhouse that was built also came to light, with strict deadlines that were met in a special way. Also new is the office next to the greenhouse. It was indeed just completed in time for the opening. "For a grower, there are two ways to get something done on time. One is to set a planting date, the other is to organize an open day," Jan said with his characteristic self-deprecation. But then you also have something to show, as the approximately two hundred present guests could see. After Jan's speech, they had the chance to view the greenhouses, which were officially opened just before by the children of the van Genderen family. Afterwards, the councilor also came to the stage with a brief word about sustainable greenhouse horticulture. At the sustainability square, set up specifically for the occasion and filled with various project partners, numerous practical examples could be seen. There will also be attention to this during the Open Day that will follow on Saturday, April 8.
Jan, Jacolien with children Louise, Boas and Ruben in the new greenhouse
Impatient
"For me, it's not a question of whether it continues, but how." Those words were spoken by Jan last September when both greenhouses, one with light and one without, were sealed and filled with plants. Deadline met.
However, he was already looking ahead, and knew what was still to come. For example, finishing the construction of the office. That is now also done. The tight schedule, the unwavering positive outlook, and the impatience are characteristic of the strawberry entrepreneur. He emphasized this multiple times in his speech, especially when it came to the realization of housing for employees. "I would have preferred to open that housing now rather than this new business. Our people are the heart of the company."
Great enthusiasm for the opening
Relocation
The grower born in 1985 took the audience back to his early years, where at the age of 12 he slowly traded his love for tractors and agricultural contractors for a passion for strawberries. At 17, he got his first greenhouse in Poederoijen. Second-hand and 'only' 4000 square meters. The company grew to 8000 square meters in the following years. Jan praises the support of his parents, who even sold their house to make Jan's dream of being a grower a reality – something he found quite normal at the time, but now seems all the more special. The passing of his father, supporter, confidant, and advisor, was also a turning point for Jan: What now?
It became a time of growth. For this, Jan eventually decided to seek another greenhouse horticulture area, together with his then-wife Jacoline. At NEXTgarden, the strawberry business gradually expanded. Partner Thijs van Giessen also played an important role in this, acting as a sounding board, and later as a partner in the business. "He let me calculate and discard my own ideas." Until an idea emerged, to take over a tomato greenhouse. Contrary to his usual habits, Jan thought it over for an extra night. It turned out to be a good plan that was not rejected. Together, the men then realized the growth step in 2010.
Looking back on a quarter-century of strawberry cultivation is impressive when you’re not even close to turning 40
Growth Steps
Another greenhouse vegetable business was then taken over in 2013. This was followed by steps towards seasonal cultivation with summer production, expansions by building in 2017, 2018, and 2019, and the step to self-packaging in 2017. "This also made us an interesting retail partner." A significant part of Royal Berry's strawberries is for export. On Wednesday, English and German-speaking clients were present.
And then the office became too small. Laughing: "Employees without a desk, that's tough." With the construction of the greenhouse, including workspace and office, this 'problem' is now resolved. There was still a piece of land owned, so building was possible. However, the construction was not standard. "We eventually built it backwards," Jan indicated.
The glass went on when the lights were already hanging
Glass
He was referring to the leveling and installation of lighting in the greenhouse, even before the panes were in place. The delivery of the glass was delayed last year due to the war in Ukraine, where the glass was supposed to come from. Ultimately, glass from China was loaded onto a ship, closely monitored by Jan from that moment – "those boats sail so slowly" – thus meeting the construction deadlines.
And that had to be the case, as he acknowledged, since the plants had already been ordered and sales agreements had already been made. "Thank you all for your patience," the strawberry entrepreneur concluded his speech in which he personally mentioned quite a few people. "I hope you all see this project as your project."
Various project partners proudly shared their contributions to the project at the sustainability square afterwards. Leasing land, a 100% closed water system which has made Royal Berry a zero discharger since 2010, CHP systems that are ready when hydrogen is available, and the courage to switch to full LED lighting early – all these aspects were brought up. At the end of the day, everyone went home with, of course, a box of strawberries. But not before a celebration was held, encouraged by Jan himself. "Don’t go home too early."
For more information:
Royal Berry
info@royalberry.eu
www.royalberry.euCurious about the company as well? Saturday, April 8, from 10 AM to 4 PM, it is an open day.
