Van der Knaap Group announced that it is entering into a strategic partnership with Premier Tech. This partnership will enable both companies to offer their customers even more value by sharing their expertise and product portfolios, stimulating innovation and strengthening their global presence.

Driven by its ambition to continue investing in sustainable, innovative and high-quality solutions for horticulture, Van der Knaap’s management team began searching for a strategic partner that shares this ambition.

“We found that partner in Premier Tech, a company whose world headquarters are located in Canada and with over a hundred years of experience in the horticultural industry. We share the same vision on collaboration, innovation and sustainability, and that forms the basis for this step,” said Ron and Perry van der Knaap, founders of Van der Knaap Group.

 Van der Knaap Group and Premier Tech have enjoyed a good relationship for many years and have already worked together successfully through Van der Knaap's partner in Sri Lanka. From there, it was a logical step to further collaboration between Van der Knaap and PT's Growers and Consumers Group, which is active in agriculture and horticulture. As a producer of substrates, they are particularly well represented in North America. Premier Tech also manages a portfolio of biological solutions that deliver value to growers by increasing their crop yield and health.

Van der Knaap Group, also a family business, has been providing sustainable, high-quality products and services for professional horticulture for over 40 years. They are leaders in the field of growing media, circular fertilizers and coco substrates. These are produced at production sites worldwide and used by customers around the globe.

Both companies are confident that this step will contribute to a strong, sustainable future for their team members, customers and partners and consider this an important milestone in their efforts to make a difference in feeding, protecting, and improving our world. “It is a strategic step that not only further strengthens our delivery reliability, but also contributes to the continuity and sustainability of the solutions we offer our customers,” explains Jelte Veenstra, who became CEO of Van der Knaap Group this year.

“This strategic combination of our people and expertise marks an important milestone as it perfectly aligns with our long-term strategy to reinforce our global footprint in Europe and the Americas and our ability to deliver innovative solutions worldwide,” adds Jean Bélanger, president and CEO of Premier Tech.

Van der Knaap Group emphasizes that this joining of forces offers many additional opportunities. For its own organization, by working together in the areas of innovation and automation and by offering team members opportunities for talent development and gaining international experience.

But also for customers. Nothing will change in the short term: they will continue to benefit from the high-quality products and services they are accustomed to. In the long term, however, they will be able to benefit from a broader product range, even better delivery reliability, and access to more technical knowledge. This collaboration will give Van der Knaap access to a new range of products that can stimulate plant resilience. Premier Tech has spent many years researching and developing their expertise with these biological solutions.

“As a partner, we will increase our strength and knowledge while remaining true to our identity, culture and values. We are confident that this step will contribute to a strong, sustainable future for our employees, customers and partners. This collaboration is a fitting step forward and a reinforcement of who we are and what we stand for,” said Jelte.