Snack Products cultivates snack cucumbers in the Netherlands, which they sell via the Harvest House Cooperative. The demand for snack cucumbers has been increasing for years. To continue meeting this growing demand, Snack Products has entered into an intensive collaboration with Kwekerij de Maris. That means an immediate snack cucumbers acreage expansion. Both companies will keep using their own names.
Willy and Gert van Bussel with Peter Maessen
Pioneers
In the late 90s, Snack Products was the first to specialize in growing and packaging tasty snack cucumbers. This family business has modern farms at several locations. They process and package these products in all kinds of packaging in their in-house packaging division.
The company's innovative, sustainable character is reflected in cultivating heart-shaped cucumbers for Valentine's Day. It also has various energy innovations and is, therefore, constantly in motion.
“We're passionate about working with a top product every day," says Managing Director Willy van Bussel. "We remain true snack cucumber pioneers. These cucumbers are deliciously full-flavored with extra high fiber content. We challenge ourselves to produce these great quality consumer products year-round. We're proud that the demand continues rising. We want to do business responsibly, innovatively, and sustainably while loving the product."
Rising demand
Snack Products is a member of the Harvest House Cooperative that markets these snack tomatoes for them. At Harvest House, demand for quality, tasty, Dutch-grown snack cucumbers has been increasing for years. To keep meeting this demand, Snack Products entered into a new partnership with Peter and Wendy Maessen of Kwekerij de Maris in early 2022. These growers share a passion for the product and are happy with the collaboration.
“We're continually busy developing our company," says Willy. "And I'm pleased with this collaboration. It allows our acreage to expand to meet the growing demand for our tasty snack cucumbers. Our knowledge, experience, management, and replaceability have been strengthened too. Peter is the right person with whom to give shape to this."
Growth opportunities
Peter has specialized in cucumber cultivation for many years. "I think my company and I were ready for a new step," he says. "This partnership presents a wonderful new challenge that I can enjoy working on for years. I can use my know-how and experience. I'll also further develop myself in growing what is a new variety for me."
Snack Products' co-owner Gert van Bussel adds, "This cooperation is a good step for our family business. We're creating a solid foundation for further growth and development, where the quality of the snack cucumbers comes first."
This partnership means the two companies have three modern growing facilities in the Netherlands. These sites employ the latest developments and innovations, like LED lighting, biomass, and high-tech sorting and packaging lines.
New positions have become available, too, which offers current employees and new talent growth opportunities. The growers' children are not yet ready to take over these companies. They are still at school and have to choose their own career paths.
“We're, thus, seeking new talent to strengthen our organization," explains Willy. "We want driven people who can add to the company in a smart way. Experience is a plus. Enthusiasm and the willingness to learn are even more important; then, we can teach you the tricks of the trade. For people who want to work with us in this fantastic sector, we have several interesting vacancies with growth opportunities, company-wide," he concludes.
For more information:
Willy van Bussel
Snack Products
Tel: +31 (0)493 560 400
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.snackproductsbv.nl
Peter Maessen
Kwekerij De Maris
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kwekerij-demaris.nl
Michael de Jong
Coöperatie Harvest House U.A.
Tel: +31 (0) 174 519 208
Email: [email protected]