Continuous growth in the fresh mushroom sector during the past few years has prompted Dutch fresh produce cooperative The Greenery to increase its capacity to handle, distribute and market a range of mushrooms.
The company recently celebrated the opening of its renovated mushroom distribution centre in Zaltbommel, 70km east of Rotterdam, where it has expanded its storage capacity and optimised its processing capacity, as well as centralising its commercial, logistics and packaging activities for a range of mushrooms.
The group currently handles over 700 tonnes of mushrooms each week, making it one of the Netherlands' largest producers and suppliers of the product.
The Greenery supplies a full range of mushrooms, varying from typical Dutch white mushrooms to all kinds of exotic varieties that are imported from across the globe.
By centralising its commercial, logistics and packaging activities for its entire range of mushrooms in Zaltbommel, The Greenery says it will be able to offer 'the shortest and most efficient supply chain' for supplying retailers, wholesalers and industry.
According to the company, the central Netherlands facility is certified according to the most stringent food safety standards and is set to focus on fulfilling the diverse and varied packaging requirements of its international clients.
The expansion is expected to give The Greenery an important advantage in being able to process as well as supply a larger volume of mushrooms to its client base.
In consultation with Zaltbommel Auction, which leases the industrial property, an additional 750m2 of conditioned space has been created.
Packaging and storage capacities have been significantly increased as a result, with the latter expanding from 520 to 1,100 pallets.
Meeting the most stringent international food safety requirements and quality standards were central criteria for the redesign, says Philip Smits, chief executive of The Greenery, while consideration was apparently also given to the introduction of a new central operating system that will be implemented in the coming months.
'Thanks to our efficient operations, excellent services and stringent quality control, The Greenery's mushroom activities have achieved healthy growth,' explained Mr Smits. 'The expansion will enable us to ensure that we can continue to enjoy growth in the future and supply our customers with quality mushrooms.'
