Witters is one of the largest cress producers in Belgium, with an acreage totalling almost two hectares. The sprouts are available year-round and are grown in the greenhouse on both substrate and soil. The former is mainly intended for retailers and greengrocers and cress grown on soil goes primarily to catering establishments and kitchens.
Winter and summer prices
The family business is owned by Marc Serneels and Ria Witters, who both come from a family of farmers. Their son Philippe, the fifth generation, is also working in the organization. Ria's parents started the company and focused entirely on cress. Her grandfather cultivated many other vegetables and sold them in the port.
Marc Serneels, Ria Witters and their son Philippe. Behind them, the cress that is cultivated on soil
Marc and Ria tell that demand for cress grew in the past, but in recent years it has remained fairly stable. "It's really a niche product. There are regular customers for this sprout and we grow it depending on the customer demand. Sales are carried out via auction BelOrta. There are fixed prices in summer and winter." The cress is sold in auction to customers in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. "What is harvested today, reaches the customer tomorrow. Each customer has different needs. That's why we offer many different packaging options."
Appreciation
Witters is a well-known name in the sector and Marc and Ria are passionate growers. They express their satisfaction with the trust that they have built with their clients. "The cultivation of this product is very labour intensive, but we are always happy with the result and get a lot of appreciation in return. Cress is a beautiful and healthy product and you can use it in many different ways: as a garnish, for soups and as a complement to almost any dish."
Longer shelf life
According to Ria, real cress lovers will always choose cress grown on soil. "It tastes spicier and the leaves are much fuller than those of the cress grown in rockwool; however, customers like supermarkets and specialty stores prefer cress grown on substrate, because it has a longer shelf life." The family is optimistic about the future. "We will continue working in the same way, with the goal of keeping our customers satisfied. Suppose that demand grows or the number of cress growers falls; we could then expand. We don't rule anything out."
For more information:
Witters BVBA
Slijkenhoefstraat 33
2840 Rumst - Belgium
Fax: 015 31 98 75
Gsm: 0475 69 63 75