Steef from Nolina on Benchmark Vase Life: 'I immediately know our position in the market'

Plant farm Nolina from Woubrugge has their plants tested about four times a year at Royal FloraHolland's Post Harvest Knowledge Centre. Not only to ensure the quality of their products, but also to find out how they perform against other growers in their product group. "I find that very interesting, because then you immediately know what your position in the market is," said co-owner Steef de Lange.

Plant farm Nolina is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a party. Steef de Lange has been at the helm since 2004, together with his brother Marcel. Nolina covers an area of 24 hectares and specialises in growing potted roses. They also supply garden plants such as clematis, wisteria and African lilies. Under the Young Plants label, Nolina also grows young plants that they supply to other growers.   

Benchmark Vase Life

Nolina purchases the Benchmark Vase Life service from Royal FloraHolland. At the Post Harvest Knowledge Centre in Naaldwijk, their plants are tested for vase life and other important quality characteristics such as leaf quality and flower opening. After the test period, the farm receives a customised report that gives a picture of the product's performance. They also receive a benchmark report twice a year, in which Steef can compare the results with previous tests or the results of other (anonymous) growers in his product group.

"For us, it is important to deliver top quality," Steef says. "Benchmark Vase Life reports let you know if you are on the right track. You will gain insight into important aspects of the plant and this will help you make choices for now and the future. Thus, the theme of vase life contributes to the choice and selection process of new varieties of plants. A good vase life for potted roses is necessary for a successful supply chain, which ends with the consumer."

"In addition, the reports allow me to see exactly what our position is compared to other growers. I find that very interesting, because then you immediately know what your position is in the market. And you can gain insight by looking at other growers' products."

The testing process

How the testing process works? "The grower gets a reminder to deliver the plants they want to be tested to the Post Harvest Knowledge Centre," Steef says. "After a few weeks, we get an invitation for a physical appointment on site. There, they explain all kinds of things about testing and what the findings are. When you visit, your own products are anonymous among those of fellow growers."

One piece of advice Steef has for other growers is to have their products tested several times. "After all, it could be that you delivered a bit drier once, or the growing conditions were different. If you have around five to six tests, you get a more accurate picture of the quality and vase life of your products."

Positive experience

Steef finds the Benchmark Vase Life service a positive experience. "The whole process is handled professionally from A to Z," he says. "We are provided with expert guidance - our plants are not just placed in a corner. There really is proper service involved." He continues, "It is also nice that we are always dealing with very friendly people."

As a point for improvement, Steef would like to see an expansion in pot sizes. "Currently, only the 10.5 is being tested. I would also be curious about the vase life of plants with larger pot sizes, such as the 12 and 13. But that's really the only thing I can think of, we are very satisfied with Royal FloraHolland."