Family Broeders

Bert Broeders runs a family business where a love of fruit growing runs deep. His grandfather began growing fruit more than 70 years ago.

The business specialises in apples and pears. Its main varieties are Conference and Fred pears, and Kanzi apples. Bert Broeders’ orchards produce high-quality fruit, grown with close attention to flavour and sustainability.

A varied and rewarding profession

What does Bert enjoy most about his work as a grower? “You are constantly outdoors, among the trees, and you see something change every day,” he says.

Today, growing fruit is more of a balancing act than ever. Bert explains: “It is becoming increasingly difficult to find enough workers, and finding the right crop protection products is also a challenge. Even so, we remain committed to quality and continue looking for ways to adapt to changing circumstances.”

To guarantee the quality of the fruit, the team follows a carefully planned growing schedule and monitors the trees closely. “We try to use as few crop protection products as possible,” Bert explains. “We surround our orchards with hedges, which means we need to spray less. This allows us to protect both the fruit and the surrounding natural environment.”

The grower’s tip

For Bert, the message is clear: buying local makes a difference. “Our fruit is not only tasty and healthy, but also grown with care and expertise, close to home. When you buy Belgian fruit, you are choosing quality and a short supply chain. That is better for the environment and the local economy.”