Floréac is celebrating its 70th anniversary and we want to honour it! To mark this milestone, we have invited some of our loyal partners to look back together on the unique development of our cooperation across generations. And that’s not all: especially for this special occasion, we present our exclusive promotion “70 Years – 70 Days of Deals!” Don’t miss this unique opportunity and celebrate with us!
Levoplant has been pioneering Phalaenopsis and Cordyline australis for over 30 years. However the actual seed of the company was sown in 1969. That was when Leo van der Voort and his wife Anneke created the nursery on a plot of land measuring 7000 square metres. Today, the nursery spreads over four locations and covers an area of no less than 14 hectares. “The company has grown steadily,” explains co-owner Ron Fransen. “Leo and Anneke started in Wateringen. In the 1990s, the company moved towards Maasland and then branches were added in De Lier and two in Honselersdijk. Today, our main crop, Phalaenopsis, achieves a market share of 6-7%. We are the market leader for the Cordyline australis,.”
What can you tell us about the pioneering period at the beginning of working with Floréac?
Ron Fransen: Our partnership with Floréac has deep roots. Back in the 1970s, Geert Floré traded directly with Leo van der Voort. Meanwhile, a new generation is at the helm, but the collaboration between two family businesses still bears fruit. “The relationship with Floréac is based on loyalty, reliability, respect and personal contact. We often work with the same people and that creates a click. Floréac also thinks along with us. For example, they have encouraged us to move more quickly towards digitalisation. Another step forward in terms of efficiency.”
How many generations does this go back in your company’s history?
Two generations. Floréac was the first company we did business with directly. Back then, a lot went through the clock or through the auction’s Mediation Office. Buyers from Floréac came to the nursery a lot and started direct trade back then.
Is there a anecdote you can tell about our collaboration?
In the old days, prices and quantities were negotiated ‘behind the truck’. And then, as it were, payment was made correctly from the boot. The trade would then go to Lochristi and before it was unloaded, it was often already sold.
Floréac was and still is a welcome customer at Levoplant, truly a customer from the very beginning.
How has the business relationship developed over the years?
Through years of contacts and good conversations, the relationship has continued to develop and professionalise constantly. The path chosen in terms of production and qualities is also perfectly in line with the markets Floréac is entering.
