In 1998, Henk-Willem Spaargaren (64) started the process of converting the then-flower exporter OZ Export in Aalsmeer into an autonomous plant department bearing the name OZ Planten. Since then, he has helped to develop the entity into the organization that it is today. In 1999, it was the first company in the OZ Group to move to the VBA Zuid industrial estate in De Kwakel. That same year, OZ Group merged with Van Duijn Groep to become Dutch Flower Group (DFG).
OZ Planten is renowned as a market-oriented organization that uses its mission, 'with passion for plants' to establish a close relationship with growers. OZ Planten also uses its expertise to make daily deliveries of house and garden plants to various customer segments, including wholesalers, garden centers, and retail chains in Europe.
Dana Meertens takes over the reins
When Henk-Willem Spaargaren leaves on June 1, 2024, Dana Meertens will become the managing director of OZ Planten. Dana Meertens had already assumed the role of commercial director last year. She has been at Dutch Flower Group for a total of 12.5 years and has occupied various commercial positions at, e.g., Intergreen and Van Dijk Flora. In her new role, she will continue to be responsible for commercial management at OZ Planten.
Henk-Willem Spaargaren: "I can look back at all these years with pride. I was able to work with my colleagues to build the best plant company in Aalsmeer. I wish Dana the very best of luck as she further develops OZ Planten together with the team."
For more information:
Dutch Flower Group
www.dfg.nl