"What we have noticed in recent years, and this year in particular, is that the demand for fresh herbs is rising. A continually available product is a must for this," says Piet van Vugt of Van Vugt Kruiden. The grower from Ridderkerk started supplying herbs from his own greenhouse to the wholesales and retail in Europe. "It's a challenge to have the complete assortment available every day. Besides Christmas, Easter has been a fun challenge again for us, in which we completed all orders carefully and with pleasure."
Besides Piet, his four children, son in law and daughter in law are all active in the company. This is now the fourth generation. "They all enjoy and have their own roles within the company. Piet isn't yet thinking about stopping or slowing down. "My hobby is my job, I want to pass it on to the next generation for as long as I can."
Special herbs and edible flowers
Piet has worked hard to extend his cultivation for the coming summer season. "From May to September we will once again have around 40 special types of herbs available, varying from Hysop, apple mint, Ananassalie, Ice herb and many more." Van Vugt will also have a more extensive assortment of edible flowers available from their own greenhouses, so various varieties have been added to the assortment. "The point of this is to foresee all customers of their specific needs."
New building
Van Vugt Kruiden's planned new building (which should have been completed by now) is being worked on. However, a number of people from the village, who call themselves 'Stichting Oude Kern Rijsoord' are trying to prevent this. Until then Van Vugt Kruiden will continue their activities at the existing location on the Voorweg in Ridderkerk.
New website
Besides the Easter rush and the extensions in cultivation, there was also hard work being done behind the scenes to launch an entirely new website. This website is now live. "The products are categorised into 3 groups: herbs, edible flowers and baby leafs. A lot of emphasis was placed on this in the website. We want to give our customers and visitors as much information as possible on what we have to offer, both as far as the available varieties and the different packaging possibilities are concerned."
