Preesman Plants welcomed an old friend into its new headquarters last week: Jelle Posthumus, known around the world for his work with Preesman’s quality management program, has rejoined the company as Manager for Europe and for Preesman’s global network of agents.
Jelle Posthumus jumped right in to his new role with Preesman. Here he is in the company stand at I.F.T.EX. in Nairobi last month
“Jelle has a long history with Preesman and years of experience in the flower industry,” says Preesman’s Bob Goedemans. “He has a great reputation and we believe his return to the company is another sign to the industry that Preesman is continuing to take firm steps toward breeding a colourful future.”
Jelle’s relationship with Preesman began in 2004 when he worked with Florence, a division of Preesman roses that, at the time, was responsible for introducing new varieties and supporting quality management. Between 2005 and 2006, Preesman took this quality management system global, and until 2010, Jelle was responsible for quality and production in Ecuador (roses) and Colombia (roses and alstroemeria).
Jelle is returning to Preesman after spending the last two years as a project advisor in East Africa for DLV Plant. There he gained an even deeper knowledge of farm management, as well as practical experience with determining the feasibility of various crops and technologies in Kenya and Ethiopia.
“I am really happy to be back in the flower business again,” he says. “I love seeing the developments that are underway – and the future of the industry as well! This is the world that I like being a part of.
“I’ve returned to Preesman because the company has changed from the inside out,” he continues. “We are developing new and impressive varieties that are ready for the current market requirements. They will also be successful for our clients! Together with Preesman I am stepping up to the challenge of coming to the market with the right varieties, at the right time, with the right standards,” he concludes.
New location brings Preesman closer to becoming “The Modern Breeder”
March 28, 2012, De Kwakel, the Netherlands: Flower breeders in De Kwakel have a new neighbor! Preesman Holland has recently settled into its new location at Hoofdweg 119, which makes customer access easier than ever. In fact, the company is now located in the building of its European agent Olij Breeding; Preesman is maintaining its own identity with a dedicated entrance and offices.
“All breeders are experiencing the high costs of maintaining a property in Holland while the marketplaces are elsewhere,” explains Preesman’s Bob Goedemans. “With this new location we hope to come to the point of becoming what we call ‘The Modern Breeder.’ We are getting ready for the future.”
“Our new headquarters also includes a selection/showhouse for our Roses and Gerbera,” Goedemans says, adding that soon he will also announce the new locations of the showhouses for Alstroemeria and Chrysanthemum.
“This move is part of the bigger picture for Preesman in 2012″, he concludes.
Preesman’s new postal address is PO Box 85, 1430 AB Aalsmeer, the Netherlands.
It is always a pleasant surprise to meet another grower who was essentially “born into the greenhouse.” Juan Guaqueta of Guaqueta Trading has one such generational story, a tale that parallels the growth of Preesman’s activities in Colombia.
Juan Guaqueta lets Preesman’s genetics do the talking
“Since 1963, the family Guaqueta has been involved with the Colombian flower industry,” Juan explains. “My father, Ernesto Guaqueta, was one of the first mentors in the floricultural industry for export purposes in Colombia. In 2001 I took over the business and with the help of my team, have grown to become the second-largest player of diversification plant material in the northern region of South America. With these long-established connections in the industry, we are supplying flower growers in Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.”
A Preesman agent since 2011, on paper Juan may appear to be the new kid on the block, but don’t be fooled: Juan and his colleagues have spent the last year “actively showing and sampling gerberas to growers in the region to demonstrate the excellent qualities of Preesman breeding,” he says. “As Preesman distributors, we have been able to speak less and allow the gerbera genetics to do the talking.”
And the genetics have a lot to say. Juan says one of the best characteristics of Preesman gerbera is its excellent productivity and stem length under extreme temperature shifts (in Central America, greenhouses that are hot during the day become downright cold at night).
Juan also believes that Preesman genetics are also becoming a key to success for growers who are selling into the tough American and European markets: “These growers have to adapt their production to these low economic-growth markets, which translates into price pressures. They need varieties that will offer high productivity, acceptable lengths and well-defined colors. “
“That’s why I say Preesman genetics do the talking,” Juan continues. “We use trials to actively demonstrate their excellent productivity, appropriate lengths, flower diameter and postharvest keeping quality.”
Once growers have the right varieties in their greenhouse, he explains, the possibilities are endless. “When growers can ensure their flowers are fit for travel and have better vaselife, they can explore possibly more lucrative markets that are farther away,” he says.
With great ideas and great products, Juan Guaqueta is someone to put on your list of people to meet. Check out his stand during Agriflor in Quito, Ecuador (3-6 October) and Hortiweek Holland in November. Can’t wait that long? Then check out his website: www.guaquetatrading.com
Preesman Plants is pleased to present an exclusive glimpse into how rose breeding works.
In our latest Facebook photo album, Selection Manager Alejandra Tapia takes us on a tour of Preesman’s latest breeding efforts. Click the photo or this link to take a virtual trip to Kenya!
