MILESTONE AND MANAGEMENT CHANGES AT WATERDRINKER

Waterdrinker is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary in November 2023. Founder Jaap Waterdrinker started with a Cash & Carry for plants in the middle of the flower auction in Aalsmeer, Holland. Since then, Waterdrinker has grown to be one of the largest plant exporters, yet still has cash & carry – the Green Trade Center – as the main focus of its operations. It is for good reason that the Green Trade Center (GTC) has become the ‘Grower’s House’, a place where growers can present their products and where the most extensive and unique range in Europe can be found. Not surprisingly, the GTC is still the most inspiring location for florists, garden centres and retailers in the floriculture sector.

In 2020, Waterdrinker merged with OZ Planten and Hamiplant to become the Dutch Plant Group, part of Dutch Flower Group. Dutch Flower Group focuses on knowledge sharing and launching innovations in the market more quickly and in close collaboration with growers and plant breeders. In the 50 years that the company has been in business, development has been pursued continuously and with great enthusiasm. Management and employees alike have embraced ideas and initiatives and created a strong company with exceptional potential for further growth.

At the end of this year, Bob Moria and Mariska Foppen will together have comprised the executive team of Waterdrinker for 25 years. A milestone for both and a good moment to pass the baton to the next generation. Bob and Mariska have been associated with Waterdrinker for 36 and 28 years, respectively. After so many years of collaboration, they have decided to jointly step down from their executive roles.

Dutch Flower Group is pleased to announce that Leon Buskermolen, managing director of Hamiplant since 2011, is prepared to take on the important role of managing director of Waterdrinker from 1 January 2024. Buskermolen comments, “I very much look forward to dedicating my time and energy to Waterdrinker together with the management team, which I have gotten to know these past few years.”

In the coming year, Bob Moria will continue to perform an advisory role at Waterdrinker and Dutch Flower Group. Mariska Foppen, who joined Waterdrinker as a fresh graduate, will be expanding her horizons and working with a number of start-ups. According to Moria and Foppen, “Waterdrinker has become a full-fledged brand in the sector, something we are very proud of. Our employees, growers and long-time customers are close to our hearts. We hope that the same level of positive energy and job satisfaction will be maintained and that the company will continue to grow and develop.”

Dutch Flower Group is currently in the recruitment process for the position of managing director of Hamiplant.