Van Doorn International Fruit BV has been selected as the winner in the 2002 Anglo-Dutch Awards for Enterprise section for Dutch SME companies sponsored by ABN-AMRO and organised by the Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce.
The award was presented by Lord Leon Brittan at London's The Portman Hotel.
Van Doorn claims a 40 per cent market share in the export of Dutch fruit to the UK, mostly pears but also apples and soft fruit, such as strawberries.
The company said: 'By taking the specific requirement of each supermarket into account, the consumer at the end of the chain benefits. Substantial market share has never been an aim in itself but comes about through the innovative and dynamic way that the company operates.' The company is working with leading pesticide manufacturer, Sygenta, to develop new, less intensive methods of pest control while not compromising the quality and appearance of fruit. Comice pears, for instance, are now being developed by Van Doorn to have an attractive red blush.
It is also working to develop a storage method that should result in year-round delivery of Dutch pears.
Innovation continues with the company establishing the largest commercial cherry orchard in Europe, in partnership with a leading Kent grower.
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