Appeltans Boomteelt is a young, dynamic business which is almost entirely focused on export. “95% of our production is intended for the export market”, manager Marc Appeltans explains.
The firm specialises in hardy perennials. “This means that our exports to Eastern Europe have seen strong growth”, he adds.
“We have no ambition to be the biggest, but we do want to be very clearly the best. We want to be the business that delivers the best possible quality.” Marc Appeltans, manager
Other destination countries are Germany, Luxemburg, Switzerland and Austria. “We are not currently looking for new countries to supply,” Marc Appeltans explains. The manager of the tree nursery in the picturesque village of Vliermaalroot has a clear vision: “We have no ambition to be the biggest, but we do want to be very clearly the best. We want to be the business that delivers the best possible quality.”
Today Appeltans Boomteelt has 60 ha devoted to open field cultivation. In addition, 6 ha is set aside for container production. “We want to increase the surface area that we use for container production”, Marc Appeltans explains. “Our aim is to add a further 3 ha within 5 years.” Thanks to this investment and to increased production, the nursery can guarantee its customers year-round deliveries.
Appeltans Boomteelt in figures
- Employees: 8 full-time employees plus 15 seasonal workers
- Land area: 60 ha open-field cultivation, 6 ha container production
- Export: 95% of turnover:
- Germany 40%
- Eastern Europe 35%
- Switzerland 10%
- Austria 10%
- Luxembourg 5%
- Future:
- Container production: + 3ha
