Current energy crisis requires sustainable solution

The current energy crisis affects the global economy. Our growers too, are faced with soaring energy costs. In the past months, the price of electricity has increased by 380% and the price of gas by 400%. Knowing that 30% of a tomato’s cost price are energy costs, it comes as no surprise that our growers are getting worried.

As a committed and responsible organisation, Prominent started investing in sustainable solutions many years ago. Even in a crisis like this, we keep focussing on sustainability, so our retailers are always guaranteed fresh produce. The only condition is that our sustainable solutions should be financially feasible too.

Growing tomatoes in Dutch winter months costs more than it makes

The rising energy prices not only lead to panic in the Netherlands. In these uncertain times, the global economy proves to be anything but stable. Our growers are faced with quite a challenge. To produce fresh tomatoes throughout the year, optimal growing conditions are crucial. In a closed system, a perfect balance between temperature and light is needed. This means providing extra heating and light during the cold Dutch winter months. But due to the current energy prices, growing tomatoes costs more than it makes.

Prominent is a pioneer with regard to using sustainable solutions

A situation like this asks for sustainable solutions. The growers of Prominent are pioneers when it comes to sustainable tomato production. Through growing our tomatoes in a controlled environment, we use a minimum amount of raw materials and re-use our waste material as much as possible.

In addition, in the last 15 years, we have invested in sustainable energy solutions, such as using residual heat from the industry and geothermal heat. And in cogeneration, where efficient and privately owned power stations produce heat as well as electricity. And through using LED lighting too, our sustainable goals are approaching even faster.

The power of co-operation; stronger together

The growers of Prominent form a co-operation. This means that in financially unstable times, risks are reduced and spread as much as possible. As a grower, you are never alone. In the past months, financial setbacks were equally distributed. And with regard to the future, we do not just focus on short-term goals, but work on sustainable solutions together to continuously guarantee the quality of our produce.

Sitting down with retailers: discussing opportunities together

Co-operation also means sitting down with our retailers. They are used to our growers delivering top quality tomatoes throughout the year. But what if the current circumstances lead to uncertainties? Neither grower nor retailer will benefit from this. We believe it pays off to discuss new opportunities together.

Grower Tom Zwinkels also focuses on finding solutions; ‘An entrepreneur always spots opportunities. I advocate to work even closer together with our retailers and exporters. For example, to draft a price and volume contract before the start of each season, that matches current energy and other costs. Not only will this reduce the risks for us growers, but our retailers are guaranteed fresh produce throughout the year too.’

Growers United / Prominent houdt van succesvol samenwerken. Ook samen inzetten op nieuwe kansen? Neem gerust contact op met Wim van den Berg van Growers United / Prominent: w.vandenberg@growersunited.nl of +31 (0)6 5756 4346.

Prominent is een merk van Growers United UA. Deze organisatie is verantwoordelijk voor de verkoop, marketing en kwaliteitscontrole van het product.

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