Christmas 1989
The start of something big: The first discussion took place about cultivating drying flowers. Wim Dijk and Chris Dijk held discussions with buyer “Florino Dronten” in Bergentheim about the possibilities.
1990
Wim and Wilma Dijk start cultivating Dutch dried flowers on the Dijk family land and start selling to private homes.
1991
Wim and Wilma dry their first flowers in their own dehydrator with natural air: the wind!
1992
The switch to drying with hot air: Our own dehydrator arrives in Bergentheim at Siem and Hendriette. This year, for the first time, flowers are sold to flower shops and garden centres in the region. The first export to “JG Trading” in Sweden becomes a reality!
1993
The company relocates to Holtheme, where two drying chambers are constructed in a farm’s cattle sheds.
A sales mailing to 2,000 addresses in Germany is very successful: The first export of dried flowers to Germany follows quickly!
1994
The drying capacity is doubled: Now there is a total of four drying chambers! Also, the first export to France takes place this year.
1995
Increased exports to France result is rapid company growth.
Also, this year the first containers of cinnamon sticks are imported from Indonesia. And the first full-time employee is appointed; Coriena Veneman.
1996
Construction of a new packaging and storage shed of 1,200m2.
For the first time the company participates in the “Garden Sector Trade Fair” in Utrecht.
The first meeting with “Winston Dried Flowers” from China takes place at the trade fair in Frankfurt.
1997
In addition to the existing Dutch dried flowers, exotics from India and paper roses from China are included in the collection. This proves to be a success!
1998
The first Containers with Dutch dried flowers are exported to Japan.
Intratuin places its first orders and the first catalogue is printed!
2001
The cash & carry is converted into a showroom. From this year direct sales to florists ceased and sales are made only to wholesalers and garden centres.
2001
The first trend agency is contracted this year. The first trip to China and India is made, a new age of unprecedented possibilities emerges!
For the first time we have a stand of 30m2 at the fair in Frankfurt, Christmas World. Contacts are made with Brazil, South Africa, Turkey and the Philippines!
Unprecedented progress: Turnover growth of no fewer than 70% per year!
2002
The first wooden items are included in the collection.
This year, the stand at the Christmas World fair in Frankfurt is 50m2!
2005
The first U.S.A. purchasing and sales trip is made.
The stand at the Christmas World fair in Frankfurt is now 100m2!
For the first time sales agents are contracted for sales to Scandinavia. The number of permanent employees increases to 6 people.
We attend the Tendence fair in Frankfurt for the first time.
2008
The stand at the Christmas World fair in Frankfurt is 150m2m this year!
2009
Big developments: All departments are further professionalised; purchasing processes thoroughly overhauled and delivery times improve enormously.
2010
A new office is built in Holtheme to offer space to the increasing workforce. This time with real heaters and air-conditioning!
We start creating our own unique designs abroad using our own stylists.
The stand at the Christmas world fair in Frankfurt is even bigger this year: 300m2.
Sales of foam flowers start this year. Our foam flowers prove to be a tremendous success!
2011
Plans to expand the warehouse start taking shape. Ground is purchased on the industrial estate in Coevorden.
For the first time we participate in the SPOGA+GAFA fair in Cologne with a 100m2 stand.
Party! We receive the “Garden Affairs’ Retail Award” in the “Best product in garden centre” category.
2012
The construction of the new warehouse starts in Coevorden. The brand new warehouse and Warehouse Managing System are put into operation in April.
The successful foam flowers takes up to some 30% of the collection in 2012.
2013
Glass is included in the collection, forming a beautiful combination with the existing collection.
2014
For the first time we participate in the “Spring Fair” in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Also, we attend the fair in Russia for the first time this year.
Pottery is introduced into the collection.
A 2nd 300m2 showroom opens in Honselersdijk. The Coevorden warehouse is further expanded with two new halls.
2015
We participate in the Ambiente fair in Frankfurt. For the first time this year we also participate in the Maison et Object trade fair in Paris.
The stand at the Christmas World fair in Frankfurt expands to some 370m2!
2015
The festive opening of our new showroom and offices in Coevorden
2016 and onwards
We will continue expanding through acquisitions and the introduction of new product groups. Trade fair participations result in increased export and our innovative and exciting collections are increasingly finding their way to more purchasers worldwide!
