Fifteen years ago, Wim de Weert traded the Dutch horticultural landscape for sunny Algarve in Portugal. What began as an advisory role grew into a thriving strawberry business, Rei de Morangos, which supplies high-quality winter strawberries to the European market. Under the Portuguese sun, Wim combines Dutch innovation with local conditions, creating unique opportunities and challenges.
From advisor to business owner
Wim's Portuguese adventure began as a plant breeder and advisor to local growers. Though his clients rarely followed his advice, Wim saw potential in the Portuguese climate. Inspired by the mild winters, he began farming on a rented plot. "The first years were a learning curve," Wim admits. He had to consider temperatures, light intensity, and pests different from those in the Netherlands.
Hightech strawberry cultivation
A few years later, De Weert decided to fully focus on his farm, which now covers two hectares. He uses a high-tech approach he was familiar with in the Netherlands. Portugal needs to gain the knowledge Dutch growers take for granted. And Wim is constantly experimenting with things like water management sensors and innovative substrates like coconut fibers and rock wool. Thanks to the strong Portuguese sun, his strawberries develop an intense flavor. That climate, however, requires specific adaptations, calling for using solar panels for renewable energy and collecting rainwater for irrigation.
Doing business in Portugal
Doing business in Portugal has its pros and cons. Although Wim enjoys freedom and lower costs, he misses the knowledge-sharing that is common in the Netherlands. "You must figure out a lot yourself," says Wim. Labor, on the other hand, proves easier to come by. The strawberry grower works with reliable, motivated seasonal workers from Romania and Nepal. Labor costs are lower, making it attractive to organize labor-intensive processes, especially during harvest.
Focus on quality and export
Wim cultivates everbearing varieties like Favori and Florice, which fall into the premium segment. "Our quality is similar to that of Dutch strawberries." His strawberries sell for €5 to €10/kg, unlike Spanish strawberries, which are cheaper but of lower quality. Wim sells via the Dutch and French markets, with France becoming increasingly important due to rising transportation costs.
Looking ahead
Wim keeps investing in innovation. "With the right technology, you can cultivate optimally here," he concludes. Wim's focus lies on sustainability, precision water management, and further refinement of his cultivation systems. Thanks to that approach, he can supply the European market with strawberries in winter, peaking around the holidays.
Wim de Weert
Rei de Morangos
Tel: +351 914210741
[email protected]