Fresh Plaza

5 days ago | freshplaza.com | Arlette Sijmonsma

While packaging once followed functionality, Joost Somford with JASA Packaging says it now evolves alongside regulation, branding, and automation. "It's not just about wrapping a product anymore. It's about aligning with an entire set of expectations—commercial, technical, and regulatory." Speaking at the Leafy Hydroponics Event in the Netherlands and welcoming all visitors to the company's HQ in Obdam, Joost explains that packaging in the past primarily served as containment.

1 week ago | freshplaza.com | Thijmen Tiersma

On Wednesday, June 18, KWS Vegetables inaugurated a new R&D center in Andijk. This facility, which includes a greenhouse, office, and laboratories, demonstrates the German family business's commitment to advancing in the vegetable seed industry. As a new entrant in this field, KWS is making significant investments. The company is already seeing the emergence of its first commercial varieties for an increasing number of crops, such as "Tropicalia" in watermelons.

1 week ago | freshplaza.com | Arlette Sijmonsma

Is leafy hydroponics still an emerging crop, or has the market already matured? It's a tough question to answer. In recent years, cultivation systems and techniques have advanced rapidly, acreage has expanded, and the market has clearly grown. We've seen both success stories and failures - signs of a sector moving toward maturity. Yet when considering the long-term potential and untapped opportunities, it seems this market is still in its early stages. Click here for the photo report.

2 weeks ago | freshplaza.com | Arlette Sijmonsma

During a surprise party last week, Rob Baan's amazed expression wasn't due to sampling a new plant. Instead, he was honored for his contributions to horticulture with the Baanbrekend Award, a silver medal of honor, and a big celebration. "You have given horticulture a face," he was told. And there's the surprise moment. Rob, of course, flanked by his wife Jolanda. Last year, after 25 years, Rob Baan handed over the management of his company, Koppert Cress, to his son, Stijn Baan.

3 weeks ago | freshplaza.com | Joel Pitarch

The Spanish early potato harvest has been underway since the beginning of April in the country's two main producing regions, Murcia and Andalusia. While the yield in Murcia is similar to last year's, Andalusia has suffered some production losses due to the impact of the rains, and sizes are also generally smaller. The Valencian company Patatas Lázaro, which is able to supply some specialties all year round, is currently immersed in the domestic potato season. Cristina Lázaro.