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Quality roses exclusively produced for Agora
Some months ago, Floris Holland established a partnership with rose grower Wim van Kampen. The company in Nieuwekerk near den IJssel started growing exclusive roses, found only at the Agora Group. This cooperation is the result of a successful pilot project with the rose Upper Secret, a previous partnership between Floris Holland and an African rose supplier. Furthermore, the partnership is stimulated by the need for special rose types due to a recent decline on the supply side.
The grower
Wim van Kampen grows roses in his 19.000m² large company. There are two separated sections. About 14.000m² is heated and has assimilation lighting (10.000lux). The other 5.000m² is used for growing roses in open air (so-called "Freiland" roses). These Freiland roses are originally from Germany, but are increasingly traded in the Netherlands as well. The most remarkable features of these roses are their fragrance and their distinctive, nostalgic flower shape.
All roses are planted in mineral wool to have optimal control over their growth. Before a new type of rose is produced on a large scale, extensive research is done regarding several aspects, such as growth, decorative value, perishability and profitability. This research phase takes at least a year to complete!
The different breeders/rose propagators play an important role in the technical aspects of growing roses: Lex+ (famous for the cultivar Avalanche), Spek Rozen (Freiland roses) and Olij Rozen (Red Berlin). Representatives of these companies regularly visit the rose growers to provide them with cultivation advice. They want this project to succeed as well.
The product range
Seven roses are currently being grown in the heated and lighted area of the company, both bearing single or multiple flowers: After Party, Two Faces, Deep Water, Ivanhoe, Cuba Libre, Belle Amie & Capitano. In the near future, the product range will be extended even further with another seven rose types. One of the most promising roses at the moment is the Miss Anne Katrine.