Last Friday, a new edition of the Dutch Strawberry Demo Day took place in Horst on the grounds of the Limgroup breeding company. Last year, the day was cancelled due to Covid, but now it was possible again to organise a day especially for strawberry growers in the Netherlands. The event was visited by some 100 exhibitors and 300 interested parties.
Host Vincent Deenen, CEO of the Limgroup opened the day, after which Sjaak van der Tak took the floor with a eulogy to the Dutch strawberry cultivation. "Dutch strawberries are at the top of the world. Our quality is much higher than in Spain, where the strawberry is comparable to the women there, beautiful on the outside, but hard on the inside", said Sjaak. "This cultivation shouldn't disappear abroad and therefore we must continue to innovate and improve in order to remain a leader."
Around 50 stands were set up on the site where suppliers, researchers and breeders could inform interested parties about their products.
At 13:00, the Limgroup unveiled the new Limadela strawberry variety. During the presentation it was emphasised that this variety does well in the autumn while retaining its colour and flavour. The name is said to mean noble and honourable.
The organisation gave visitors a voucher for a piece of Limburg vlaai (flan) and a drink when entering, and the music, beautiful weather and various catering outlets, including a waffle stall, ensured a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
There was the opportunity to take a tour of the grounds, watch demonstrations and obtain information at the various stands. All in all, the organisation looks back on a beautiful, successful day.