In the Netherlands, Orchid Inspiration Days are currently being held. Mirjam Colijn of the packaging company, Koen Pack, therefore, visited the Aphrodite Orchidee nursery. This grower has been a regular customer of Koen Pack client since the business began. They buy sleeves, hardware, tubes, and whatever's needed to dress Phalaenopsis Orchids.
"Aphrodite focuses on high-end retailers. But our target group includes specialist florists and garden centers. We have an extensive luxury range. They are 'The Luxury', 'Modern living', and 'Entrance'," says Martin van Weerdenburg who gave a tour of the company.
Trade
It's bustling in the warehouse. Several workers are busy wrapping the plants. There's a line of carts ready for a customer to collect. They call five to six hours in advance. Every day, they do business at a Dutch and German auction house. The latter also offers Phalaenopsis in a paper sleeve every week.
"The demand for paper is climbing," says Martin. The grower offers the paper sleeves all year round. "It's nice to see how our paper sleeves and tubes are used for the plants. These plants are grown at Aphrodite but go all over the world," says Mirjam.
Koen Broekhuizen founded Koen Pack 25 years ago. Back then, Martin asked him, "Why will you even start in a market that already has so many suppliers? He, however, succeeded. Koen Pack has grown into a great company."
Aphrodite has become increasingly specialized in recent years, and that's paying off. "Distinguishing ourselves with shaped growth was a good decision," says Martin.
New catalog
Martin begins finding inspiration a year before putting together the next season's assortment. "It's quite difficult to get the samples I want in time to show my clients." That's why he regularly visits Koen Pack's showroom. "They always have new things I don't see elsewhere. The showroom is really worth a visit. I often get ideas from there to use in our catalog."
The new Aphrodite catalog runs from Spring 2021 to Summer 2022. It has different colored plants, some with as many as 15 branches. And they come in all kinds of pots, bags, vases, and baskets. There's something for everyone.
"Koen Pack supplies products for every holiday. People must order well in time for Christmas. There's a scarcity and problems with transport now. So, it's always better to secure your favorite product before it's too late," says Mirjam.
12cm Phalaenopsis pot
The range consists primarily of Phalaenopsis orchids. These have between two and five branches and pretty mixed bloom colors. Aphrodite specializes in form-guided plants. The pots contain all kinds of arches along which the orchids grow. They're also presented in different settings for the holidays. The most popular holidays are Valentine's and Women's Day.
For more information:
Aphrodite Orchidee
Tel: +31 (0) 206 556 030
Email: verkoop@aphrodite-orchidee.com
Website: aphrodite-orchidee.com
Koen Pack
Tel: +31 (0) 205 452 470
Email: sales@koenpack.com
Website: www.koenpack.com