Dutch radish grower keeps investing in the future

On a Tuesday afternoon in late April, a green truck pulls into a parking area in Oude-Tonge, the Netherlands. Bakker Barendrecht is picking up radishes from grower Ad Coolbergen. So far, nothing unusual. Ad has been cultivating radishes for years for Bakker Barendrecht, the trading company that supplies Albert Heijn supermarkets. What is new is that since the beginning of this year, the Coolbergen family name once again adorns the packing warehouse facade.

The greenhouse radishes had already been harvested on that sunny April day before the heat set in. Via Bakker Barendrecht, they find their way to supermarkets like Albert Heijn and Delhaize (in Belgium). Ad has been supplying these retail channels since 2000. His father, Jan, started the company in 1963, then with tomatoes, beans, and lettuce. Since the 1990s, radishes have been the main focus, and with 14 hectares of greenhouses, Coolbergen is a serious player.

Until the end of 2024, Coolbergen was part of Ortolanda, a partnership that included a branch in Italy founded by Ad and his brother, Willem-Jan. On January 1, 2025, Coolbergen regained its independence. "I wouldn't have seen this coming three years ago," says Ad. "But the third generation is choosing its own path, mainly focused on Italy. That's fine, but I had to adjust somewhat."

In Oude-Tonge, Ad has since invested in expansion and a new packaging line. The warehouse has been renovated, and the company is organizationally ready for the future, too. Jan helps out when he can. Ad's wife, Mieke, provides support where needed, and their daughters, Dionne and Maureen, have shown an unexpected interest in the family business. Dionne is helping with the new brand style and website, and Maureen is returning to the region after her studies.

Coolbergen is anticipating market changes. Demand for bundled radishes is declining, while loose radishes are gaining popularity. "We now also offer tri-color mixes in top-sealed packaging. That's even earned us a Product of the Year award," says Coolbergen. They have replaced some radish bundling machines with loose radish lines, with a fourth planned for next year.

Though Ad is concerned about the rising energy costs - "Going from three to two m3 of gas per m2 per year for our cold crop is unrealistic" — he remains optimistic. "Dutch radish growers are innovative; they'll manage."

Besides running his company, Ad is preparing for his third marathon in New York in November. "The goal: sub-four hours," he concludes. And just like his business, in this, he is ambitious, flexible, and energetic.

For more information:
Coolbergen
info@coolbergen.com
www.coolbergen.com