Contact Information Netherlands
Coöperatieve Nederlandse Bessentelers
Westerguitedijk 1
4451RJ Heinkenszand, Netherlands
Phone: +31 622 208 012
Vermueminaard373@msn.com
Head of organisation: Jack Bove
Key Data Netherlands
Growing surface: 180 ha
Average annual production: 600 t
Varieties grown in the Netherlands
Ben Alder, Ben Nevis, Ben Connan, Ben Tron, Ben Gairn
Blackcurrants are grown in Zeeland (in the South-West of the Netherlands) and in the North East of the country.
There are two cooperatives of blackcurrant growers in the Netherlands, one is part of the IBA.
Further general information
In Dutch, blackcurrants are called “zwarte bessen”.
People also grow white and red currants in the Netherlands. Most of the blackcurrant fields are close to the sea, with less chance of nightfrost during blossoming.
Historically, people needed blackcurrants for their Vitamin C content. From 1900-1970, nearly every farmer had blackcurrants, sometimes only for his own consumption, others for sale. The oldest processor, Hero, made the promotion of his product, saying it was a “medicinal” drink.
Today, the culinary use of blackcurrants in the Netherlands is multiple: lemonade Cassis (“Hero”), ice cream / sorbet, wine, liqueur, juice, cake.