Netherlands: Eminent celebrates 35th anniversary

On Friday, 20 April, Eminent celebrated its 35th anniversary. About 200 guests gathered for an inspiring themed afternoon about vegetables, food and health in the World Horti Center.

The afternoon was opened by Jan van Heijningen, manager of Eminent. Jan thanked his wife for her support, after which he gave the floor to TV chef Sandra Ysbrandy and general practitioner Tamara de Weijer.

While Sandra was cooking, Tamara delved deeper into the themes of vegetables and food. As ambassador of the Dutch National Action Plan Fruit and Vegetables, she spreads the ‘no pills but bell peppers’ slogan. Besides, her mission as doctor and chairwoman of the Dutch Association of Doctor and Food is to bring doctors, growers and chefs closer together.

The result of Sandra’s cooking was a fresh bell pepper salad, naturally finished off with a handful of Tomberry pearl tomatoes. Tamara’s story, meanwhile, had also had its effect on the guests, because someone in the audience suggested putting Eminent’s pearl tomatoes in doctors' offices, so that children start eating more vegetables spontaneously. Jan quite liked this idea: “We’ll sell you the Tomberry pearl tomatoes!”

Anneke Ammerlaan, food trend watcher, talked about the trends in the field of food. For example, she predicted the rise of sweet pointed peppers will continue, and that misshapen food will become the new standard. Anneke also considered the visual strength of vegetables. “Just take a look at social media. Chefs communicate through the dishes on their tables. You hardly see their faces.” Growers were challenged by Anneke to spend more time on the stories of their products.

After the talks, Jan received a bouquet of flowers from Ingeborg Hendriks.

During the drinks afterwards, the guests were also given the chance to take a look in Eminent’s demonstration greenhouse.