Netherlands: New 2,6 ha greenhouse for MansFlowers

MansFlowers built a new greenhouse on 32,000 square meters in 2012, now less then three years later, the area has almost doubled. Another 2.6 ha was just completed right next to the company in Brakel, the Netherlands. The current production is around 22 million stems a year and they expect this number to double. Their assortment will also be extended.

Marius Mans

Marius Mans is the owner of the company. In times where prices are under pressure and breeders are struggling to make some profit, Mans is one of the few who is able to realize such a large investment. "We were one of the first who started with The New Cultivation. Because we own the latest facilities, we can cultivate more energy efficiently while we can ensure the quality of the crop. This gives us an advantage."

In the new greenhouse, a new CHP has also been installed. This one is a lot smaller than the last one, because we want to generate less energy. "We used to produce 90% of the energy ourselves. However, now, as we grow more efficient, we will have a surplus of heat soon," says Mans. "At the new company we will produce 1/3 of the energy ourselves, the rest we will buy. Then there will be a better balance in energy."

These germinis were planted last month (photo: Twitter @mansflower)

Germini
"While most would choose to plant a few varieties, we decided to expand the assortment. Consumers should have a choice. So, soon they can choose 32 species, including some exclusive varieties. We will grow a series of bicolors, with a dark heart and a bright halo around it which gives a nice contrast. Our expectations are high for this variety. We don't have gerberas, only germinis," explains Mans. "People are often confused by these two. Almost everything is called gerbera, but it is actually a germini. With a diameter of 9 cm or more, gerberas are large flowers, but those don't sell that well here in Holland. There is a market for these gerberas in Eastern Europe."

Rising prices
Over the last couple of weeks, the prices for the market of Germinis is quite slow compared to the rest of the year. "The prices were a bit low, but at the moment the prices are clearly rising I expect this to continue over the next weeks," says Mans.

For more information:
Mansflowers
Marius Mans
Liesveldsesteeg 28a
5306 EZ Brakel
M: 0627120947
E: marius@mansflowers.nl
www.mansflowers.nl