In an article on www.fd.nl, it is explained that the company was mainly focused on the Russian market. The nursery in Heerhugowaard produces roses with long stems, which were popular in Eastern Europe. According to sources, the demand for these roses has decreased sharply, resulting in the serious financial problems for the company.

Zuurbier & Co is owned by two families, Zuurbier and Oudhuis. According to the Dutch newspaper Financieel Dagblad, the company employed 600 employees at nurseries in the Netherlands and Kenya, last year. Due to disappointing results, 40 employees made redundant in Heerhugowaard, in 2013. This autumn, the remaining employees in the Netherlands were let go.

The article stated that more Dutch rose growers are facing difficulties at the moment. Due to high energy costs, decreasing demand and increasing competition from countries like Kenia, Ethiopia and Tanzania are making it difficult times for the Dutch industry.

Over the past few years, the number of rose growers decreased drastically in the Netherlands and increased sharply in Kenya. Kenya is known as a country with a profitable climate, low wages and good connections. As a result, it has became the largest producer. Interestingly, many Dutch growers have an operation in an African country as well. Zuurbier has an advanced production greenhouse in Kenya.

According to fd.nl, Zuurbier & Co had already suffered from financial loses in 2011 and 2012.

Source: Financieel Dagblad