Celebrating 20 Years Hortus Supplies International

Hortus Supplies International: 20 Years of Growth, Partnerschip, and a Vision for the Future
On January 5, 2005, Hortus Supplies International was founded as a small company with big ambitions. Willem Bakker, Nico van der Spek, and Richard Heemskerk joined forces with one clear goal: to provide growers worldwide with the best products and solutions to make their crops stronger, healthier, and more productive. Twenty years later, we’ve grown into an international player with customers on every continent, four foreign branches, and a dedicated team ready to tackle any challenge. But what truly sets us apart? Partnership, perseverance, and a touch of humor when needed.

From Small steps to Giant leaps
The road to where we are today has been anything but straightforward. It all started with a modest warehouse where space and resources were limited. Our first “office”? Two portable cabins at Van Zaal Transport in a warehouse. Over the past 20 years, we’ve relocated twice, and our current office was completely expanded and modernized just two years ago. With state-of-the-art facilities and a growing team—ranging from young talent (19 years old!) to seasoned professionals (64 years old!)—we now have a workspace that is fully equipped for the future and our , goals and aspirations that we aim for. Our growth is also reflected in our logo, now in its third iteration. Each design symbolizes a new chapter in our journey—from a modest export company to a global partner in the horticultural industry. Despite our growth, we remain true to our core values: personal connections, reliable service, and always thinking in solutions.

The power of collaboration
What truly distinguishes us is how we work together – both internally and with our customers and partners. Our customers aren’t just clients; they’re partners with whom we love to brainstorm. Whether it’s a smaller grower in the Europe or a large cultivation business in Canada, we take the time to understand their challenges and provide tailored solutions.

This collaborative approach has led to some remarkable experiences. Like the time we needed a large crane to load a container. A compost spreader destined for Dalat Hasfarm in Vietnam wasn’t going to fit into a 40ft container with just a forklift. It was a logistical challenge, but thanks to teamwork – and a bit of creativity – we got the job done. Moments like these show that together, we’re always stronger, even when things get tough.

Not just Business, but also FUN! From go-Karting to good old Christmas Bingo
Of course, we’re not just hardworking exporters of horticultural products; we also know how to have fun with the team. Take the time we went go-karting. What started as an innocent outing turned into a fiercely competitive race, with several colleagues suddenly revealing Verstappen-like ambitions.

And then there’s this year’s Christmas bingo: with Richard and Nico as the showmasters. The duo proved that even a simple game can become an unforgettable experience, filled with laughter and great prizes.

Willem Bakker: A key figure in Hortus
Not everything has been a celebration. In 2014, we had to say goodbye to Willem Bakker, one of Hortus’s founders. Willem was known for his humor, hard work, and warm personality. His positive energy continues to inspire us, and we are deeply grateful for all he contributed to Hortus.

We’re celebrating our anniversary by giving back!
To mark our 20th anniversary, we want to do more than look back—we want to give back. Inspired by the Dutch saying “Wie jarig is, trakteert” (Those who celebrate, treat!), we’ve launched a special initiative. Each month in 2025, our partners can suggest a charity. From the submissions, we’ll select one cause to receive a € 500,- donation that month. Whether it’s a local initiative or a global project, together we want to contribute to a better future. If you know a great cause that could use some extra support, reach out to Anouk Heemskerk: anouk@hsibv.com.

Looking forward to the next 20 Years: A Sustainable Future The success of Hortus Supplies International isn’t just about the products we supply—it’s about the people: customers, colleagues, and everyone who makes our journey extraordinary. Together, we look to the future, and that future is green. From solar panels on our warehouse to the products we offer, we aim to contribute to a horticultural industry that’s ready for tomorrow’s challenges.