Two Dutch companies join forces to market sustainable fruit and vegetable Johannes packaging range

In February this year, Jan van der Kaden of StC International phoned Johannes Janssen of AGF Holland. Jan wanted to showcase Johannes' packaging line of the same name. That would be at StC International's stand during the Fruit Logistica. "Changing things just before the trade show. We like doing that. That's how we made contact. We saw each other for the first time at the fair," says Johannes. These two companies' partnership is now a done deal. StC already sends bell peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants to its clients in the sustainable Johannes packaging.

Jan van der Kaden and Johannes Janssen

"StC received good feedback about the packaging at the trade show. So we agreed to meet again soon after. We could not only do business together. We also recognized shared values and standards, transparency and loyalty in the cooperation. That's how we came up with the idea of working together," says Johannes. "AGF-Holland knows its way around Dutch supermarkets and wholesalers. We're strong in packaging. StC has an extensive network of growers and international clients. That international character really appealed to us." 

"The Johannes packing had found its way all over Europe. We were, therefore, looking for a strong international player. We joined forces, and together we can expand our capabilities. Our business activities meld perfectly. StC is strong in vegetables, greenhouse cultivation, and horticulture. While AGF Holland is strong in packaging and supplying fruit."

"Together, we can represent a wider range. People can come to us for all their fruit and vegetable products. We already pack vegetables for StC. That range is constantly expanding. We also pack our own grapes, apples, oranges, strawberries, and berries. All in the sustainable Johannes packaging," explains Janssen.

"When we saw the Johannes packaging line, we were immediately enthusiastic," says Jan van der Kaden, StC's director. "The time is ripe for sustainable packaging. Consumers want to get rid of plastic. Now we can offer our clients a plastic-free packaging line. That's for the entire fruit and vegetable sector. The range consists of a line of baskets, trays, and banding rolls. These are made from specially developed natural cardboard."

StC already supplies its bell peppers, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and aubergines in the Johannes packaging. "We're now expanding to other fruits and vegetables. Our clients are very excited. We currently mainly supply this packaging to German and Polish clients. But it's now taking off to such an extent that we're also going further into Europe. In this line, products are packaged directly from the field. So, we're working sustainably, which suits this packaging perfectly too. It brings the product fresh to the client."

"The Johannes containers come in all sizes, from small to large. Their handles are sturdy. That makes the larger sizes a handy, stackable, practical, eye-catching product too. The pure natural cardboard is derived from sustainable logging. It keeps the quality of fruit and vegetables completely intact. The material is 100% natural. You can recycle it up to seven times," adds Jan. Johannes concludes by saying, "The beauty of our product is that our clients can use this packaging under a private label too. So, everyone can give the packaging their own look and feel."