Belgian grower makes beer from watercress

The demand for special niche products always rises for the holidays. With fresh produce this is usually later in December. According to the largest watercress grower in Belgium, there will definitely be an increase in sales in the coming period. "Christmas is our busiest time of the year and more and more people realize that watercress goes a long way in the kitchen," said owner Frank Vansimpsen.

Sales times four

St-Lucie is the largest watercress grower in Belgium. Year-round this healthy product is delivered to several customers in the Benelux. Frank: "Currently the demand for the holidays is not so large, because we obviously have a fresh product. Some customers are letting us know their expectations. Around that time sales are multiplied by three of four times." This is also expected for 2015.

Versatile

He stresses that a great deal can be done with this versatile product. "Much more can be done for the holidays than the well-known watercress soup. Delicacies such as watercress puree, watercress pesto, watercress fish sauce, watercress sabayon are just some of the possibilities."

Sint-Lucie also has beer on the market, called ‘La Cress’. "This is a beer where our cress seeds are added to the brewing process. Also a great addition to the banquet!"

Recognized Regional Product

Siblings Frank and Christel Vansimpsen have been growing watercress for years. They are the third generation of the family business located in the Belgian province of Limburg. In 2010 Frank and Christel officially took over Sint-Lucie from their parents and have been expanding every since.

For more information:
n.v. St-Lucie s.a.
Kraaibornstraat 37
B-3700 Lauw Tongeren (België)
Tel. +32 (0)12 39 26 03
Fax +32 (0)12 23 00 07
[email protected]
www.sint-lucie.be