From 3.5 to over 5 hectares, from 180 million to 300 million plants, and increasing levels of customization. We first visited Van Egmond Lisianthus in 2015 to hear more about the challenges of propagating lisianthus. Now, a decade later, much has changed. We speak with Albrecht, José, and Jacqueline van Egmond to discuss their journey, the latest developments, and the future of their business.
José, Albrecht sr., Jacqueline and Albrecht jr. van Egmond
Growth and expansion
José reflects on the company's growth: "Over the past 10 years, we've added 2 hectares, growing from 3.5 to over 5 hectares. That's a significant expansion, especially in a sector where many nurseries are downsizing or even disappearing." Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis, Van Egmond Lisianthus has not only retained its staff but continued to grow. Was it always easy? "Not at all. There were moments when we wondered how things would turn out. But we're incredibly grateful that we've navigated this period successfully—together with our team."
Global market leader
Over the past decade, Van Egmond Lisianthus has solidified its position as a global leader in lisianthus propagation. "Sales have fluctuated over the years," José explains. "In 2015, we produced 180 million young plants per year, which grew to 300 million by 2020. The COVID-19 crisis caused a significant drop, but we're optimistic about reaching the 300 million mark again this year."
The demand for customization continues to rise, along with ever-stricter quality standards. "Ten years ago, we thought the bar couldn't be set any higher, yet we've made tremendous progress," José adds. "We remain the only nursery exclusively dedicated to lisianthus propagation."
Jacqueline highlights the company's global reach: "About 60% of our production stays in the Netherlands, but we also export extensively to Israel, Tanzania, South Africa, Southern and Eastern Europe, Korea, and China."
Decisive factor
Crop protection remains a key priority at Van Egmond Lisianthus. The nursery was already MPS-certified in 2015, and that commitment to sustainability continues today. "For us, ensuring consistent quality, whether in summer or winter, is essential," says Albrecht. "We've developed resilient plants using organic inputs, but maintaining that quality requires continuous improvements in cultivation techniques."
The nursery plays a crucial role in the final quality of lisianthus. "Our plants grow here for 14 weeks, while growers keep them for only 8. In the past, that was 16 weeks at the grower's. This shift underscores our impact on the end product," Albrecht explains. "We ensure our plants are cultivated properly and adopt new techniques immediately. If you want to pass on knowledge, you have to stay ahead of the curve."
Technological advancements have been crucial in this progress, José adds: "We've made significant strides with LED lighting and by this autumn, we'll switch entirely to LED. This allows us to control plant growth more precisely and provide exactly what the plants need." This shift is possible because of valuable insights gained from their trials with indoor cultivation. "Van Egmond Lisianthus is also heavily invested in research to further improve cultivation techniques. We gather extensive data to stay prepared for the future," José explains.
Fringed flowers
"Customer demand has changed in recent years," says Albrecht. "Ten years ago, single flowers were more popular; now we see more demand for large fringed and filled flowers."
Sector in the spotlight
"Many people don't realize the passion, hard work, and innovation that drive this sector," says José. "We create resilient plants and put great care into every aspect of our products. We also prioritize the well-being of our employees, many of whom have been with us for decades and have become integral to our company. There's a place for everyone here, and we always see potential in our team. Unfortunately, this story doesn't get told enough."
According to José, the horticulture sector deserves more attention. "That's why an initiative like 'Kom in de Kas' (Visit the Greenhouse) is so important: This event, where many Dutch growers open their doors for the general public, helps us to show a more honest picture of the sector." Van Egmond Lisianthus is also looking forward to participating in Kom in de Kas this year, alongside many other companies from the region.
March 2025
March 2015
Future vision
Where does the company see itself in 10 years? "We currently operate across two locations, but our goal is to consolidate into a single site with a dedicated section for indoor cultivation. The results from our ongoing indoor growing trials are promising," says José.
And the future of lisianthus looks bright, according to the team. "Growing lisianthus is challenging, but thanks to the expertise of growers and the work of breeders, the flowers have become incredibly resilient."
"We're proud of our team and the strong collaboration we have with our customers and suppliers. We take pride in the innovations we continue to implement. Lisianthus is no easy crop, so we keep monitoring and improving. We're confident in the lisianthus of the future, and we're ready to deliver it."
For more information:
Van Egmond Lisianthus
Hoogeweg 12
2231 MS Rijnsburg
Tel: +31 (0)71 4050010
info@vanegmondlisianthus.com
www.vanegmondlisianthus.com