Family Geerdens

Surface

26 ha

Location

Diepenbeek

Active since

1992

Products

About Family Geerdens

Brecht Geerdens joined his parents Louis and Paulette in the family fruit-growing business in 2021. In 1992, they started growing apples and pears. A few years later, they expanded into strawberries, and in the early 2000s, cherries were added as well.

More than 30 years later, it remains a true family story. Brecht works alongside his parents in the business, and his children are already helping out in the fields. At Fruitbedrijf Geerdens, they do their very best every day to grow delicious, healthy, and honest fruit.

Three seasons full of fruit growing

From early May until the end of July, everything revolves around strawberries and cherries. After that, the pear harvest begins in mid-August, followed by the apple harvest in September. In November, the pruning season starts. This is Brecht’s favourite period, which continues until March.

“It’s a busy but rewarding time, during which we really enjoy our connection with nature,” says Brecht. The weather can sometimes make this period challenging. Every season is different and requires the right adjustments each time.

Looking ahead, the family wants to continue focusing on harvest security. “That way, we can keep offering consumers tasty, high-quality products. Even in difficult weather conditions, that remains our goal,” Brecht adds.

Collaboration with BelOrta

The collaboration between the Geerdens family and BelOrta is going very well. “We are an innovative company that invests sustainably. BelOrta does the same,” says Louis Geerdens.

Free time

Outside working hours, Louis and Paulette are active in several associations. Paulette volunteers as a cook leader in the youth movement and serves on the board of a women’s organisation. Louis is chairman of several interest groups, including the Boerenbond. In his free time, Brecht enjoys going for walks with his wife and two children.

Smart tip

Always take fruit out of the refrigerator some time before eating it and let it come to room temperature. This gives it a fuller and better flavour.