Leeuwis Fruit from Tuil celebrated the festive opening of its new cold storage for pears on Saturday, 9 August. Around 200 people from the fruit sector attended the open day and official inauguration of the facility, which measures 30 by 60 metres. "Despite being in the middle of the summer holidays, it was quite a crowd. Many fruit traders and growers were present," said Marcel Leeuwis.
© Potentieel
The official opening was carried out by Thierry Baudet, who attended in a personal capacity as a friend of Marcel's. Speeches were also given by Gerard van den Anker (Veiling Zaltbommel) and storage specialist Frank van de Geijn. The new cold store is fully equipped for ULO storage of pears. "We only grow Conference pears ourselves on 65 hectares, but we can also store pears for third parties in the new facility. In total, we can cool 3.7 million kilos of pears," Marcel said. Through Veiling Zaltbommel, Leeuwis Fruit applied for the SIG&F subsidy.
The entire project was managed from start to finish by Nick van der Meijden, who oversaw the entire process on behalf of Leeuwis Fruit – from permit applications and design to construction and delivery. During the opening, he addressed the audience to thank all parties involved, including Kwadraat Bouw, Koeltechnisch Bureau Raamsdonksveer, Javeko, Van Amerongen CA Technology, and Van den Heuvel E-Tech, for their professionalism and commitment. Each was presented with a filled cooler as a token of appreciation.
© Leeuwis Fruit
"We wanted the entire refrigeration system to be precise, even in areas where no one normally goes, and that has resulted in the cold storage we have today," Nick said. As part of the official opening, a film was shown documenting the construction process – from the driving of the first pile to the final completion of the cold stores. Both the film and project photos were provided by Chris Biesheuvel.
According to Leeuwis, construction went according to plan. "We first wanted to build on another site, but there was no power supply available there. That's why we decided to build the new cold store behind the flower greenhouse. Leeuwis also grows 8 hectares of chrysanthemums under glass. This allows us to use electricity from our chrysanthemum greenhouse. In September, when the pears are being chilled, our power needs in the greenhouse are limited, so it works out perfectly."
© Leeuwis Fruit
Marcel is optimistic about the pear season. "We have a good harvest ourselves, and overall, there is about the same amount hanging in the Netherlands as last year. Last season was also good, so I see no reason why it should be any worse this year."
Click here to view the photo report
For more information:
Leeuwis Fruit
Haarstraat 47
4176 BK Tuil
+31 (0) 627201920
[email protected]
https://lewisflowers.nl/fruit/
