Dutch organic retailers implement fresh-picked fruit and heirloom vegetable models

Dutch retailer Ekoplaza has partnered with the growers' cooperative BioMasters to implement a fresh-picked model for organic and biodynamic soft fruit. Under this arrangement, items such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are harvested daily based on pre-determined demand. To minimize handling and maintain freshness, the fruit is picked directly into sustainable packaging, allowing it to move from harvest to store shelves within a single day.

BioMasters, which represents 25 growers and is part of FruitMasters, manages the cultivation programs and provides residue analysis to protect organic crops from drift from neighboring farms.

In a separate development within the Dutch organic sector, the cooperative Odin is expanding its assortment of heirloom vegetables. Starting August 17, Odin will sell heirloom carrots from the biodynamic farm De Lepelaar. Despite facing challenges from hail and drought, the farm utilized the Treenataler variety to produce the crop. Odin is currently working with several growers to replace hybrid varieties with heirloom versions.