"Dad, how do they pick those strawberries up there?" The question, posed by a young visitor pointing toward the overhead gutters, captures the curiosity that filled the greenhouse of Royal Berry in Egchel, in the Dutch province of Limburg, during the opening day of its new location, Royal Berry Zuid. Where cucumbers and sweet peppers were harvested the previous year, strawberries are now growing in full production, lights on, harvest underway.
The opening marked the moment when harvesting also began in the unlit cultivation section of the site, completing the transition of the facility to full strawberry production.
The Egchel site was acquired in the course of the previous year. Following the formal takeover on 1 December 2025, the 18-hectare greenhouse complex was converted in a short timeframe. Of the total area, 8 hectares are cultivated with supplemental lighting and 10 hectares without. In the lit section, the first flush has been completed and an initial volume of fruit has already been harvested. In the unlit section, harvesting started in mid-March.
© Royal BerryTeam Royal Berry is ready. The open day can begin! View the full photo report here (link in Dutch)
Although this was not a new-build project for owner Jan van Genderen, known for his ambitious expansion strategy, converting 18 hectares of greenhouse space generated substantial work for a large number of contractors and suppliers. Several were still finishing minor tasks during the opening itself, while others were already discussing what remains to be done in the weeks ahead.
Two of the three greenhouses at the Egchel site were open to visitors on opening day, drawing local residents, industry contacts, and other interested parties. Suppliers attended to speak about their contributions to the project and to congratulate Jan van Genderen in person. Visitors had the opportunity to see, and taste, the results of the conversion.
© Thijmen Tiersma | HortiDaily.comFor the children, there was a treasure hunt, starting in the LED-lit greenhouse, thanks to lamps from MechaTronix, who also brought an ice cream man. View the full photo report here (link in Dutch)
Royal Berry will eventually pack strawberries at the Egchel site, including on behalf of other growers affiliated with Kompany. For the time being, fruit is transported to the company's existing facility in Bemmel for packing.
Jan van Genderen divides his time between the Bemmel and Egchel locations. The same week as the Egchel opening, a long-anticipated residential park at the Bemmel site was also brought into use, with a formal opening to follow at a later date.
For Van Genderen, the Egchel opening represented another milestone in the ongoing growth of his business.
© Thijmen Tiersma | HortiDaily.com
Robbert Leisink (Fruitful Berries) lives just around the corner from Jan van Genderen's new company in Egchel and, like many other suppliers and acquaintances, came by to visit. View the full photo report here (link in Dutch)
For more information:
Royal Berry
[email protected]
www.royalberry.eu
