Family Grommen

In the rural village of Vliermaal, you’ll find Eggertingen Fruit, where Roel Grommen and his partner have been growing strawberries, raspberries and pears with great passion since 2004. In recent years, the business has expanded significantly in soft fruit, with its top-quality strawberries as the jewel in the crown.

An unexpected victory

Roel’s love for the profession was instilled in him at home. “The variety and working outdoors make this a fantastic job,” he says. In 2019, his work even earned him a very special accolade: he won the award for the best strawberries in Belgium with an unprecedented score of 100 out of 100, a unique achievement.

It is a story Roel still tells with a smile: “At the last minute, a BelOrta employee asked us to enter a strawberry competition. We did not have anything ready at the time and had not actually planned to take part. Still, we quickly decided to pick up a crate of our strawberries from a local shop that stocked them. We managed to submit them just in time for the competition. Imagine our surprise when we heard that we had not only scored well, but had actually won! That unexpected moment, combined with the appreciation for our quality, made it even more special. A memory to treasure.”

Roel’s favourite moment of the season? “When everything starts to grow and blossom in spring, you see the results of your work come to life.”

The grower’s tip

“Our strawberries are not only delicious fresh, but also perfect for making your own jam. That way, you can enjoy their full flavour long after the season has ended!”