On Wednesday, March 30, Coöperatie Hoogstraten will officially signal the start of the new Belgian strawberry with a festive season opening. And as tradition dictates, Hoogstraten's 'Ghesellen van de Aardbei' (Friends of the Strawberry) brought the first strawberries to the royal palace in Brussels, the Belgian capital.
"King Philip welcomed us warmly two years ago, just before the lockdown. He was delighted with our grower, Luc Krijnen's strawberries," says a group representative.
This year, Nancy Monteyne, Deputy Corvette Captain, and Deputy Chief of Protocol at the House of His Majesty the King received these strawberries on behalf of the royal couple.
"The Friends were looking forward to this. But the pandemic took too much out of some of us, and they, sadly, couldn't attend. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Theo Vanderhallen and René Voet have both dedicated themselves, enthusiastically and expertly, to this society for many years. We thank them warmly for all the great memories."
The remaining members gave Ms. Monteyne an overview of the 2021 strawberry cultivation season and discussed this year's challenges. "It won't be an easy year for the more than 200 growers and their families. Like everyone else, they face major obstacles this year," one of them said.
For more information:
Coöperatie Hoogstraten
59 Loenhoutseweg
2320, Hoogstraten, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 334 00 211
Email: info@hoogstraten.eu
Website: www.hoogstraten.eu