Henriette Veth

Henriette Veth is proud of what she has build in 25 years at Beekenkamp.

As Seed Product Specialist, Henriette has an important role in testing new crops and improving the assortment. “When I started at Beekenkamp Plants 25 years ago, there was really nothing in this field at all,” she says with a smile. “There was a trial here and there, but it was pretty half-hearted because everyone had to do it on the side. When I got the chance to take this seriously, I grabbed it with both hands. But on one condition: if we do it, we do it right!”

And she did. Meanwhile, Henriette is responsible for all trials of the seed assortment at Beekenkamp Plants. She tests seed crops in our own greenhouses and determines whether they are an improvement or addition to the current assortment. “Over the years, this has grown into a full-fledged department,” she says proudly.

Henriette not only looks at our own assortment, but she also gets an insight from other breeders. “We have good contact with other breeders, and this allows us to test their crops at an early stage. This helps us enormously to gain insight into the performance of these varieties.” Thanks to this knowledge, Henriette can advise the representatives, and therefore the customers, even better about, for example, the best time for planting.

A world of change

In 25 years, Henriette has seen the company change tremendously. ‘When I started, we only had a few varieties of begonias and dahlias in the cutting assortment, and the seed assortment was also more limited. Now our assortment is so extensive that you can hardly imagine it!’ A lot has happened in the technological field as well. ‘The greenhouses have become ultramodern. This enables us to respond to market demands, such as automatic pricking out. We have developed the BKX-tray for that purpose, for example. Beekenkamp Plants always moves with the market, and that’s what makes it such an interesting company.”

Curiosity as key

Henriette’s curious nature plays an important role in her work. “You always have to keep investigating and asking yourself: can it be done better? Should it be done differently? Only then can we offer our customers the best and most complete assortment.”

During spring, Henriette can be found in the greenhouse a lot. “For example, my trials are in the greenhouses at Deliflor Chrysanthemums, Beekenkamp Plants’ sister company, where I follow the development of the plants on a weekly basis. I walk through the trials, take notes and photos, and process them into a presentation. When a trial is completed, the team meets to discuss the results. In a meeting, the Seed Product Manager, along with representatives from all departments, presents the alternatives and a choice is made together.”

What still makes her work so enjoyable after 25 years? “It’s great to see when something actually succeeds. When an adjustment to the assortment suggested by me actually turns out to be the better variety, it gives enormous satisfaction.” Henriette also appreciates Beekenkamp’s versatility and reputation. “We are well known in the market, and everyone contributes to that. You really feel that!”

Working and enjoying together

Henriette is also an active member of the Staff Association. “Maybe from the very beginning! We used to canoe in the Dommel River in Brabant, for example. That was ten years ago now, but it was great fun. It’s always fun and a great opportunity to meet colleagues from other departments.”

Henriette’s curiosity, perseverance and love for her work make her an indispensable link within Beekenkamp Plants. With her expertise and enthusiasm, she continues to contribute to the company’s success every day.