“With this step in cold chain improvement, consumers gain one to one-and-a-half extra days of vase life”

Holex Flower is investing in the expansion and modernization of its facilities to further professionalize its cold chain. By reorganizing the production floor, upgrading the packing department, and expanding both the expedition cold storage and internal distribution system, internal processes are being optimized. This results in an even more effective cold chain for the products, ultimately leading to higher product quality for the consumer at the end of the supply chain.

"Holex Flower has long been known among wholesalers worldwide as the quality supplier for overseas markets, and that reputation is something you must protect. That's why it is important for us to keep up with technological developments and evolving requirements, and to prepare the company for the future," says Paul Hoogenboom, Managing Director of Holex Flower.

With a major renovation - incorporating part of the former space of neighboring company OZ Planten - the company is making a significant investment. "Innovating - and therefore investing - to continue delivering on our distinctive quality promise is a must in today's rapidly changing world. After the renovation, we will be more efficient, more precise, and more sustainable, enabling our products to reach an unprecedented level of quality for the end customer," Hoogenboom adds.

A quick cold chain refresher
Rick Hogenboom, Manager Operational Excellence at Holex Flower, provides a brief explanation of cold chain management. "From the moment a cut flower is harvested in the greenhouse or from the field, a clock starts ticking. That clock represents the time a cut flower has before it wilts. What's unique about flowers is that by lowering their core temperature, you can slow down that clock, effectively extending the lifespan of the flower. Our challenge at Holex Flower is to keep the core temperature as low as possible before, during, and after our processes, so that cut flowers arrive as fresh as possible to our customers - and therefore have the longest possible vase life ahead of them."

© Holex Flower B.V.Paul Hoogenboom and Rick Hogenboom

"Even during peak periods, we can guarantee that shipments are perfectly prepared for transport"
But how does this work in practice at Holex Flower? What improvements does this renovation bring? "Most importantly, we are consolidating, expanding, and upgrading our various expedition cold storage areas. We are also adding a second vacuum cooler, increasing our capacity to 20 pallets per 40 minutes," Hogenboom explains. "This allows us to guarantee - even during peak periods - that shipments are perfectly prepared for transport. We have reorganized our production floor, making workflows within the space more efficient. The packing tables are being redesigned according to our latest requirements, ensuring that our packing team can work sustainably and as efficiently as possible. We are also expanding our internal distribution system so that packed boxes move more quickly through the process. Additionally, there are products that should not be cooled; in the new setup, these are immediately routed to a differently conditioned area, reducing the risk of cold damage."

© Holex Flower B.V.Installation of the second vacuum cooler

The best possible conditions for every product
The new expedition cold storage area will consist of multiple compartments, each with its own temperature. "Our quality team conducts extensive research into the optimal conditions for all products in our broad assortment. By creating different temperature zones, we can provide the best possible conditions for each product," Hogenboom continues. "The additional space also allows our expedition team to work more practically - and more sustainably, as it significantly reduces physical strain. Shipments can be grouped more efficiently, and aircraft skids can be built more effectively. As a Regulated Agent, our shipments are screened on-site in a secure SRA facility. This reduces the number of handling steps in the chain, which in turn minimizes potential temperature fluctuations."

© Holex Flower B.V.More space in the production hall due to internal reorganization

The expansion of the expedition cold storage is already complete. Construction on the extension of the distribution system began in mid-March, and by the end of April - just before the Mother's Day peak - Holex Flower expects to complete this major project on schedule. "With these cold chain improvements, consumers gain one to one-and-a-half extra days of vase life - and that's what it's ultimately all about. It also strengthens the reputation of our wholesale customers," concludes Paul Hoogenboom. "These facilities are unique for a Dutch flower export company and represent the next step in making Holex Flower future-proof in these turbulent times."