Hortere is a French greenhouse builder that initially was specialized in the development and manufacturing of a heating installations. Nowadays, the company also takes care of of turnkey greenhouse projects in conjunction with leading international greenhouse builders and suppliers. And not without success.
According to Jacco de Graaf of Hortere, France has good potential for further investments in high tech greenhouse developments, despite the reticence of the banks. "Luckily the development in France doesn't show these extreme ups and downs like we have seen in The Netherlands in the past. The development of the French horticulture industry is moderate and stable, but still very progressive."
The fact that French growers are progressive and forward thinking is being confirmed by the number of so called semi-closed greenhouses that have been realized over the past few years. The concept, that initially was developed by KUBO for North American greenhouse grower Casey Houweling, gives growers the possibility to create an optimal greenhouse climate with less energy input, obtain a higher CO2 concentration and a better accurate control of humidity levels. "I think that it is because of the specific climate in the country that French growers show interest in this concept," de Graaf said. "Next to this the French growers dare to invest in high end greenhouses, they are not scared of doing something different their neighbours." KUBO’s first Ultra-Clima greenhouse in Europe has been built in France.
Jacco de Graaf of Hortere.
If you would like to obtain more information about Hortere, please visit www.hortere.fr or contact Jacco de Graaf at jacco@hortere.fr.
According to De Graaf, French growers also show increased interest in The New Cultivation. "Most of the projects that we are involved with are conventional greenhouses, but we are also working on greenhouse projects that are equipped with HVAC units. Growers are eager to learn more about advanced production techniques."
Besides the construction of greenhouses, Hortere is all active in the installation of heating systems and CHP's and the construction of buffer tanks. "Also in France, cost-efficient production has become a key development," said De graaf. "Growers invest in sustainable energy production, like PV installations and cogeneration. Besides this growers are also interested in other advanced techniques like diffuse glass."
Speaking with Jacco De Graaf we have learned that France is an interesting market with a steady development. Despite the fact that the development is moderate, growers dare to invest in high tech equipment and advanced technology; something that is being confirmed by Hortere’s latest projects: They have sold another Ultra- Clima project last week. This greenhouse will also have diffuse glass with double anti reflective coatings. Next to this, Hortere sold also a conventional greenhouse that will be equipped with HVAC units. Both projects will be build this year.
If you would like to obtain more information about Hortere, please visit www.hortere.fr or contact Jacco de Graaf at jacco@hortere.fr.