History
Since 1927 on Mijnsherenweg in Kudelstaart. Five generations of Ubink and one passion: cacti and succulents.
The Beginning…
The story of Handelskwekerij Ubink began in 1927 on Mijnsherenweg in Kudelstaart.
What once started as a versatile agricultural business grew into a leading nursery for cacti and succulents.
In its early years, the company consisted of various divisions. In addition to dairy farming and agriculture, there was a 540 m² greenhouse where carnations, cut foliage, cacti, and succulents were cultivated. The assortment included Sansevierias, Crassulas, Opuntias, and Chamaecereus silvestrii. The plants found their way to florists in Amsterdam and small traders in Aalsmeer.
Around 1954, the horticulture department, led by Gerard Ubink, was further expanded. More carnations were cultivated, and he began growing roses. The company steadily grew to 3,600 m² of greenhouse space, 540 m² of which was filled with cacti and succulents.
Growth and New Opportunities, from 1954
Around 1954, Gerard Ubink further expanded the horticultural activities. More carnations were cultivated, and rose cultivation was also introduced. The company continued to grow and eventually had 3,600 m² of greenhouse area, of which 540 m² was dedicated to cacti and succulents.
Pushing Boundaries – Late 1970s
Gerard Ubink looked beyond the Netherlands. Although he didn’t speak the language, he set out to discover new types of cacti and succulents. His search led him to Spain, the Canary Islands, and Morocco.
The first unique plants soon arrived in the Netherlands. Family and friends helped with foreign correspondence, and thus Gerard laid the foundation for an increasingly internationally oriented company.
A New Generation at the Helm – Early 1980s
In the early 1980s, sons Gert, John, and Edwin Ubink took over from their father. With entrepreneurship and a clear vision for the future, the three brothers continued the growth. New construction took place approximately every two years, and in the late 1980s, they participated in a nursery in Tenerife. This marked an important step in the further development of the company.
Building for the Future – From 2000
Handelskwekerij Ubink continued to develop rapidly in the years that followed. The acquisition of the adjacent company on Mijnsherenweg created space for an expansion of no less than 20,000 m².
These new greenhouses were fully automated and equipped with modern cultivation systems, including ebb and flow irrigation and rolling containers. The company was renovated and further expanded in various phases, with innovation and efficiency as key principles.
Today – Craftsmanship from Generation to Generation
Under the leadership of Gert, John, and Edwin Ubink, Handelskwekerij Ubink B.V. has grown into a leading European player in the field of cacti and succulents. The next generation, Hanneke and Bas Ubink, has now also joined the company. This ensures the family tradition continues, with ample attention to innovation and growth.
The company now has 60,000 m² of modern greenhouses, where plants are cultivated in the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way possible. In addition, Ubink owns Succulent Valley, a 120,000 m² production site in the sunny south of Tenerife.
At Mijnsherenweg, orders are prepared daily, and customers are advised by the sales team. Personal contact, quality, and reliability are central to this. The appreciation for this approach was evident, among other things, in 2014, when Handelskwekerij Ubink was named the most valuable supplier of the Dutch Flower Group.
Ubink also continues to innovate in the field of breeding. New varieties have been developed through the breeding of various Echeverias. These are protected by plant breeders’ rights and are cultivated under license, including in America.
From a versatile agricultural business in 1927 to an international specialist in cacti and succulents. Handelskwekerij Ubink continues to grow, innovate, and build for the future. With the same entrepreneurial family spirit as where it all began.
1965 – Construction of Boiler House
1982 – Aalsmeer Trade Fair
1995 – Winner of the Cizik Cup, International Hortifair
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