Dutch Berries

Market-oriented growth
The most recent expansion is also entirely focused on meeting market demand. Retailers demand high quality strawberries at a low cost price. Volume production, efficiency and sustainability are important goals. Therefore, Dutch Berries expanded the existing nursery with 4.5 hectares new build.

Dutch Berries opted for reliable technology that supports market demand. One of the ingenuities of the new greenhouse is the unique high-low cultivation system, for which Stolze realized the water and electrical integration. This gutter system can be adjusted to the optimal heigh for cultivation and harvesting. The substantial reduction in energy consumption per kilo gives the company a major sustainability boost. The strawberry plants grow optimally and the 180 employees of Dutch Berries work under efficient working conditions.

Besides system integration, Stolze’s specialists also took care of expanding the electrical and water systems for the new greenhouse. Dutch Berries uses daily supplies for watering, a common practice in strawberry cultivation. Since this is an expansion of the existing greenhouse, Stolze installed two new silos, a daily supply unit, a drip unit and a disinfection unit in the existing water equipment room. These are connected to both the existing and new pipes. In addition, a PV system has been integrated, making the cultivation even more sustainable thanks to the use of solar energy.

With the completed expansion, Dutch Berries can produce as many as 5 million kilograms of strawberries annually. The strawberries are packed and prepared for retail on site, which contributes to the freshness and quality of the product.

Cooperation with Stolze: a trusted partnership
Stolze has once again proven to Dutch Berries to be a fine partner that performs well under challenging conditions. Boudewijn van der Wal, co-responsible for Dutch Berries, looks back on the cooperation with great satisfaction: “Stolze is not afraid to think big. We can level well with them. In addition, the people at Stolze don’t get discouraged. When construction was seriously disrupted by heavy rainfall, Stolze gave their all to meet the schedule. Despite all the setbacks, construction was only three weeks behind schedule. That would not have been possible without their flexibility and perseverance!”

Van der Wal emphasizes the dedication of the construction team: “What I am most proud of? In the Bommelerwaard we are not prone to pride, but what I like to mention is the passion with which we have expanded. Together with our construction partners, we have done everything we could to achieve our goal!”

Ready for the future
With this new expansion Dutch Berries is ready for the future and able to meet the desires and demands from the retail. The reliable technology delivered by Stolze contributes to the sustainable and efficient growing of high quality strawberries, with which Dutch Berries continues to play a leading role in innovative soft fruit production.