After a 40-year career in the fruit and vegetable trade, Ben Messaoud retired on January 1, 2024. He began on January 1, 1984, at a fresh produce sector importer/exporter, before starting Hortica six years later. The Dutch company had a similar product range but with a greater focus on the Belgian, Italian, and French processing industries. "That happened in a small rental property in the center of Enkhuizen. It was fantastic," Ben reflects.
"Exactly ten years later, we moved to our own new building with storage in an industrial estate. We undoubtedly had the wind at our backs. Our turnover grew due to the rising demand for fresh vegetables, potatoes, and onions, especially from the industry." Ben's eldest son, Mons, joined the company in 2009. His brother, Menno, followed in 2012.
"About three, four years ago, we noticed a shift towards demand for primary vegetables," says Ben. "Factories started contracting the products directly from growers because it was supposedly cheaper." That forced the trader to gain more knowledge and understanding of the products the industry demanded.
"In Hortica's 30+ years, we've successfully built excellent, healthy relationships in Europe. The next generation will continue on that path. They will also keep an eye on the changes so we can always adapt to new market needs and wishes. I've made and maintained many good business relationships and friends everywhere over the past 40 years. I'm very grateful to everyone who's done business with me and had full confidence in me," Ben concludes.
For more information:
Hortica
2 Handelsweg
1619 BJ, Andijk, NL
messaoud@hortica.nl