After years of negotiating with our children, and much deliberation, we got a puppy last September. A Spanish Water Dog. We’re making sure we’re spending enough time on training our new pup now, as the first year seems to be very important in their development.
Training a pup can be a lot of fun. We’re trying to offer structure, but we’d like her to stay a little self-willed as well, and alert in her response to the stimuli around her. Of course, we must also walk our dog several times a day, regardless of the weather conditions. The good thing about this is that it keeps us active, that we look around us during our walk and that, every now and again, we take a different route.
It’s not too dissimilar to our market, which has been characterised by consolidations lately. Royal FloraHolland has started to work together with carriers, DFG plants is merging with Waterdrinker, and within existing groups, departments are joined. The large parties are getting even bigger and, in my opinion, more sluggish.
We have more faith in self-will and going off to do your own thing every now and again. In keeping active by consciously continuing to innovate your product and approach, and by looking around and listening, ready to respond to gaps in the market.
We’ve heard growers say they want more partners than just the large companies. They want to hedge their bets. They’re looking for different types of collaborations, they want to increase their knowledge of the market, as well as their profits. At Xpol, we also try to do our bit; it’s a shared responsibility.
I think it’s great that the market has more players, of all types and sizes, all offering their own added value. Everyone can play a role and focus on what they feel they do best.
And our dog? She’s going to grow up the coming years, and I’m sure she’s going to bring us lots of joy. I wish you all a happy holiday season, see you next year!
Tom Vermeer,
Managing director XPol
