After years of successful growth in Belgium, Den Berk Délice is taking a major step in its international expansion and has started cultivating snack tomatoes in Morocco. This strategic decision stems from the need to keep supplying year-round, marking a new chapter for the company. By taking complete control of foreign cultivation, Den Berk Délice guarantees its customers consistent quality and flavor throughout the year.
Sales & Marketing Manager Loes van der Velden explains that this move comes after years of successful partnerships with local growers. The company, though, wants better control over quality and harvest timing. The new greenhouse, in the Agadir region, has modern technologies like a closed water system and ventilation capabilities. That not only improves the tomatoes' quality but also contributes to more sustainable production. By using less gas during winter cultivation, the company aims to reduce their gas consumption by 30% by 2030.
They combine their local presence in Morocco with international knowledge exchange between the Moroccan and Belgian teams, who share and implement the best cultivation practices. All is done with respect for working conditions, which must equal those in Belgium, including modern facilities for staff. Retailers also benefit from delivery flexibility, Since the tomatoes are still packaged in Belgium, it is easier to respond quickly to orders. Transparency towards consumers is crucial for Den Berk Délice, too; they clearly communicate the products' origin on the packaging.
Besides tomatoes, the company is, in cooperation with Coöperatie Hoogstraten, expanding its range with seedless snack cucumbers and sweet peppers. They also want to try growing other snack vegetables in Morocco during the winter. The addition of the Moroccan plot, which will be operational in November 2024, brings Den Berk Délice total acreage to over 100 hectares. That underpins their ambition to keep growing and strengthening their position as a reliable, quality, sustainable products' supplier.
Combining own and contract cultivations offers the company the flexibility to keep supplying throughout the year. "We grow Miss Perfect Délice tomatoes under lights. We have to, to guarantee consistent quality and flavor. We want to be a reliable retail partner who can supply high-quality products year-round, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation," Loes concludes.
Voor meer informatie:
Den Berk Délice 
Tel: +32 32 89 50 38
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